Identification & Site Information:

  • Name(s): Manhattan
  • Registry: United States
  • Official Number: 91905
  • Vessel Type: Bulk Freighter
  • Year Built: 1887
  • Year Sank: 1903
  • Hull Material: Wood
  • Engines: None (engine was removed or not applicable after salvage)
  • Dimensions:
  • Length: 252 ft (76.8 m)
  • Width: 38 ft (11.6 m)
  • Depth: 19 ft (5.8 m)

Vessel Type

The Manhattan was a wooden-hulled bulk freighter, a vessel type designed to transport large quantities of bulk materials such as coal, grain, or lumber on the Great Lakes. Its size and capacity reflect the demands of the late 19th-century shipping industry.

Description

Built in 1887, the Manhattan served as a significant cargo carrier during its time, contributing to the booming maritime commerce on the Great Lakes. By 1903, the vessel had burned and was declared a loss, with much of its structure and machinery salvaged in the aftermath. The specific cause of the fire is not detailed in historical records but was a common hazard for wooden freighters.

The wreck lies in the Alger Underwater Preserve, a region known for its historical shipwrecks and protected waters, offering a glimpse into Great Lakes shipping history.

Final Dispositions

The wreck rests in 20 ft (6.1 m) of water in Lake Superior, near Michigan’s Alger County.

• Remaining wreckage includes parts of the bottom of the ship and a small portion of one side of the Hull.

• Artifacts at the site include the rudder, steel plates, and lifeboat davits.

• The site is littered with natural debris, including tree trunks and branches, which may have been part of the freighter’s original cargo or accumulated over time.

• A sonar target suggests the boiler may lie in deeper water, though this has not been confirmed or explored extensively.

Located By & Date Found

The Manhattan wreck has been documented and is part of the Alger Underwater Preserve, a designated area protecting historically significant shipwrecks in Lake Superior. The preserve provides educational and recreational opportunities while safeguarding the site for future study.

NOTMARs & Advisories

The shallow depth of the wreck makes it accessible for recreational divers and snorkelers. The site’s condition reflects its history of salvage and natural degradation, and visitors are encouraged to respect its historical significance by avoiding any disturbance of the remains.

Resources & Links

3D Model – Manhatten

Manhattan by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab

Keywords, Categories, Glossary

Keywords: Manhattan, Alger Underwater Preserve, Lake Superior Shipwrecks, Wooden Freighters

Categories: Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Maritime History, Protected Wreck Sites

Glossary: Lifeboat Davits, Rudder, Steel Plates, Sonar Target, Bulk Freighter