Vessel Identification

  • Name: PENINSULA
  • Type: Wooden Propeller (Steamship)
  • Owner: Sheldon McKnight, Detroit, Michigan
  • Date of Incident: November 17, 1854
  • Location: Eagle River, Lake Superior
  • Depth of Wreckage: Unknown, vessel wrecked near shore

Incident Summary

On November 17, 1854, the propeller Steamship PENINSULA encountered a severe storm while anchored at Eagle River on Lake Superior. The vessel suffered mechanical failures, including a broken shaft and loss of its wheel, rendering it immobile and vulnerable to the harsh lake conditions. The crew attempted to run the vessel onto the beach in shallow water to avoid destruction. However, the relentless waves ultimately battered the vessel, breaking it apart and resulting in a Total Loss.

The PENINSULA’s cargo of 2,000 kegs of powder, intended for the mining industry in the region, suffered partial spoilage; approximately 1,000 kegs were ruined in the wreck. This loss of powder contributed to a temporary scarcity, impacting mining operations in the Upper Peninsula, where copper had been discovered in 1845.

Vessel Type and Role in Lake Superior Trade

The PENINSULA was a wooden propeller-driven Steamship designed to transport cargo across the Great Lakes. Propeller vessels of this type were especially valuable for transporting heavy or bulky goods, including mining supplies, construction materials, and other essential resources. Owned by Sheldon McKnight of Detroit, the vessel played an active role in the Lake Superior trade, particularly in transporting supplies critical to the burgeoning copper mining industry in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Significance of the Loss

The loss of the PENINSULA highlights the risks that vessels faced while navigating Lake Superior, particularly given the region’s unpredictable and often violent weather. The vessel’s cargo of gunpowder was an essential resource for the local mining industry, and its spoilage directly affected operations in an area dependent on mining resources.

Additionally, the wreck of the PENINSULA was not an isolated incident; many vessels had been lost in the Lake Superior trade since the copper boom began. By 1854, it was estimated that the total value of vessels and cargoes lost in the region was around $492,000—a significant sum for the era, with substantial implications for economic and human losses.

Owner’s Background

Sheldon McKnight was a prominent figure in the Great Lakes shipping industry, known for his resilience and commitment to maritime trade. Despite the loss of the PENINSULA, McKnight continued his business ventures on Lake Superior, replacing lost vessels and remaining a key player in the regional trade. His continued investments in shipping demonstrated both his adaptability and his essential role in sustaining commerce on the Great Lakes during a period of rapid growth in the mining industry.

Historical Context and Impact on Lake Superior Trade

The copper mining boom in the Upper Peninsula began in 1845, creating a high demand for shipping services to transport materials to and from mining sites. The trade, however, was fraught with peril due to the unpredictable weather on Lake Superior and the lack of modern navigational aids. The loss of vessels like the PENINSULA underscored the dangers of 19th-century Great Lakes navigation and had lasting economic impacts, particularly in terms of resource scarcity and replacement costs.

Further Resources and Links

For more information on Great Lakes maritime history, including the PENINSULA and other vessels lost on Lake Superior, these resources can be valuable:

  • Maritime History of the Great Lakes – A digital archive of historical documents, ship records, and articles related to the Great Lakes.
  • Erie Wrecks – Offers information on shipwrecks in the Great Lakes, including Lake Superior incidents.
  • Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum – Provides resources on Great Lakes shipwrecks and houses exhibits that preserve the history of these vessels.

Conclusion

The wreck of the PENINSULA serves as a reminder of the formidable challenges faced by vessels on Lake Superior. The vessel’s tragic end in 1854 highlights the constant threat of severe weather, mechanical failure, and the significant risks associated with transporting critical supplies across the Great Lakes. The story of the PENINSULA and its owner, Sheldon McKnight, also reflects the resilience and persistence of 19th-century maritime entrepreneurs, who continued to support regional industries despite the frequent losses of vessels and cargo.

Tags: #GreatLakes #LakeSuperior #Shipwrecks #MaritimeHistory #CopperMining #19thCenturyTrade #SheldonMcKnight #PeninsulaShip