Identification & Site Information

  • Name: JOHN W. CULLEN (formerly GEORGE C. MARKHAM)
  • Vessel Type: Wooden Bulk Carrier; originally a lumber carrier, later converted to sand Dredge
  • Builder: Milwaukee Shipyard Co., Milwaukee, Wisconsin
  • Year Built: 1883
  • Dimensions: Length 141 ft (43 m); beam 28 ft (8.5 m); hold depth 10.4 ft (3.2 m); Gross Tonnage 309 GT
  • Original Owner: Fitzgerald family of Milwaukee
  • Name Change: Renamed JOHN W. CULLEN in 1923 (after being sold and converted multiple times) (visitdrummondisland.com, ourmidland.com, michiganpreserves.org, medium.com)
  • Final Fate: Wrecked and sank near Frying Pan Island, just north of the Sainte Marie wreck, with machinery later salvaged (visitdrummondisland.com)

Vessel Type

The vessel began life as a wooden-hulled steam-powered lumber carrier, later retrofitted as a sand Dredge, reflecting resource transport demands on the Great Lakes in the early 20th century (visitdrummondisland.com).

Description

The John W. Cullen measured 141 ft in length and originally carried lumber, later configured for dredging sand. It had a shallow Hull (10.4 ft hold depth) and compact beam (28 ft), designed for nearshore industrial use. The machinery was removed post-sinking, leaving a largely intact Hull.

History

  • 1883: Launched as GEORGE C. MARKHAM, serving as a lumber carrier under Milwaukee ownership
  • 1899: Sold to Thomas Munroe, Muskegon, Michigan; continued in lumber transport
  • 1914–1917: Purchased by George A. Douglas of Detroit and converted to sand Dredge; later sold to Cadillac Builders Supply
  • 1923: Renamed JOHN W. CULLEN
  • Late 1920s/Early 1930s: Sunk off Frying Pan Island under uncertain circumstances; machinery later salvaged. Wreck belonged to DeTour Passage area and is now a protected dive preserve (medium.com, visitdrummondisland.com, michiganpreserves.org)

Final Disposition

The Hull rests submerged approximately 600 ft (183 m) north of Frying Pan Island. Machinery—engine, boiler, and dredging equipment—has been removed, but the wooden Hull remains largely intact in shallow depths ranging from 5–40 ft (1.5–12 m) (michiganpreserves.org).

Located By & Date Found

Not formally “discovered” post-sinking; well-documented through the DeTour Passage Underwater Preserve. Official dive guides and mapping tools include it as a key site near the Sainte Marie and General wrecks (michiganpreserves.org).

NOTMARs & Advisories

No official NOTMAR or navigation warnings. Site lies in shallow, sheltered water. Dive guides caution that salvaged machinery may pose entanglement hazards. Anchoring on the wreck is discouraged until mooring buoys are installed (michiganpreserves.org).

Shore Dive Information

  • Shore Access Location: Launch from DeTour Village Park, Michigan
  • Entry Type: Small boat deployment; shoreline launch
  • Depth Range: 5–40 ft (1.5–12 m)
  • Current & Conditions: Protected cove, calm water, minimal current; good Visibility typical
  • Points of Interest: Intact wooden Hull, adjoining wrecks of Sainte Marie and General, possible sidewheel remnants nearby (michiganpreserves.org, medium.com)
  • Skill Level: Beginner to intermediate; shallow depth but poor lighting and structure complexity may challenge novices
  • Safety & Emergency Info:
    • Nearest hyperbaric chamber: Sault Ste. Marie or St. Ignace, MI region
    • Emergency: Call US Coast Guard Sector Sault Ste. Marie +1 (906) 635‑2146 and U.S. 911
    • Nearest known address: DeTour Village Park, DeTour Village, MI 49725, USA
  • Local Regulations: Dive within Michigan Underwater Preserve rules; no removal of artifacts; no wreck penetration without certification
  • Best Time to Dive: May–September; summer months offer calmest conditions
  • Driving Directions: Access via I‑75 → exit 393 → M‑134 east to DeTour Village Park
    • [Google Maps link to GPS: 45.98918, -83.89653] (enter coords for exact location)

Resources & Links

Conclusion

The John W. Cullen (ex‑George C. Markham) reflects the evolving use of Great Lakes vessels—from lumber carrier to sand Dredge—now preserved in Michigan’s underwater heritage. Its shallow, accessible wreck site offers a compelling dive experience, enriched by the presence of neighbouring wrecks and relics. While machinery removal simplifies navigation, structure and debris may still challenge divers. This well-known but underexplored wreck contributes meaningfully to regional maritime history and recreational diving.

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