Identification & Site Information

  • Vessel Name: William H. Gratwick (later renamed Minnekahtha and Glenlyon)
  • Type: Steel-hulled Package Freighter
  • Year Built: 1893
  • Builder: F.W. Wheeler Works, West Bay City, Michigan
  • Original Owner: William H. Gratwick, Buffalo, New York
  • Later Owners:
    • U.S. Transportation Co. (as Minnekahtha, 1912)
    • Great Lakes Transportation Co., Ltd. (as Glenlyon, 1914)
  • Hull Material: Steel
  • Decks: Two
  • Masts: Three
  • Dimensions and Tonnage
    • Length: 328 feet (100 meters)
    • Beam: 42.5 feet (12.9 meters)
    • Depth: 20.5 feet (6.2 meters)
    • Gross Tonnage: 2818.27 tons
    • Net Tonnage: 2202.9 tons
  • Engine and Propulsion
    • Type: Triple expansion engine
    • Cylinder Dimensions: 20 inches, 32 inches, 54 inches
    • horsepower: 1200 HP at 90 rpm
    • Boilers: Two scotch boilers, 12 feet by 3 feet, built by Wickes Brothers, operating at 164 psi

Final Location

  • Wreck Site: Siskiwit Bay, Isle Royale, Lake Superior
  • Coordinates: Approx. 47°57.178’N, 88°44.824’W
  • Depth: 15 to 60 feet (4.5 to 18 meters)

Vessel Type Description

The William H. Gratwick was a package freighter designed to transport goods and bulk commodities such as grain and wheat. Its steel Hull, multiple decks, and advanced engine system made it a robust and efficient vessel for the Great Lakes trade routes. The ship was equipped with cargo elevators during its service life, increasing its handling capabilities.

History

Operational Service

  • 1893–1912: Operated under its original name, William H. Gratwick, carrying goods across the Great Lakes.
  • 1912: Renamed Minnekahtha under U.S. ownership, reflecting its charter and operational changes.
  • 1914: Renamed Glenlyon after transitioning to Canadian ownership under Great Lakes Transportation Co., Ltd.

Incidents

  • November 1, 1924: Stranded on a reef in Siskiwit Bay, Isle Royale, while seeking shelter during a storm.
  • Cargo: 92,000 bushels of wheat.
  • Result: Grounded vessel broke apart due to successive storms.

The wreck marked the end of the ship’s service, with debris remaining on the lakebed.

Wreck Condition and Accessibility

Current Status:

  • The wreck is located at a depth of 15 to 60 feet, making it a prime site for divers.
  • Key features, such as the bow and Stern, are well-preserved and have been documented in 3D by the National Park Service – Submerged Resources Center (NPS-SRC) on Sketchfab.
  • Visibility: Clear water conditions typical of Isle Royale allow for excellent Visibility.
  • Diving Access: Accessible to recreational divers, with features at varying depths making it suitable for divers of different experience levels.

3D Models

Explore detailed visualizations of the wreck:

Significance

The William H. Gratwick/Glenlyon is a prime example of the evolution of Great Lakes freighters in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its advanced design and storied history, including name changes, ownership transitions, and its final grounding, illustrate the dynamic and challenging nature of maritime commerce during this era. The wreck site contributes to Isle Royale’s rich underwater cultural heritage.

Resources & Links

  • Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Comprehensive data on the vessel’s service life and final incident.
  • National Park Service (NPS): Documentation of Isle Royale’s underwater wreck sites.
  • Sketchfab 3D Models: Visual exploration of the wreck remains.

Keywords

William H. Gratwick, Glenlyon, Siskiwit Bay Wreck, Isle Royale Shipwrecks, Lake Superior, Steel Freighter, Great Lakes Maritime History, Sketchfab Shipwreck Models.