Identification & Site Information

  • Name, Former Names: Samuel P. Ely (originally named Florence before enrollment)
  • Registration Number(s): Not specified
  • Date Built and Launched: 1869, J.P. Clark Shipyards, Detroit, Michigan
  • Measurements: 200 feet (61 meters) in length, 31 feet (9.4 meters) in beam, 13 feet (4 meters) in depth
  • Tonnage: Gross Tonnage 627.24, Net Tonnage 595.85; capacity of approximately 1,200 tons
  • Date Lost, Destroyed, Abandoned: October 29, 1896

Vessel Type

Schooner Barge with a single Deck and three masts, primarily designed for bulk cargo transport, including iron ore.

Description

The Samuel P. Ely was a robust vessel with a wooden Hull, initially used for the ore trade along key Great Lakes routes. The ship frequently sailed between Cleveland, Ohio, and ports in Michigan, such as Escanaba and Marquette. It was characterized by its large carrying capacity, simple Deck structure, and adaptability for towing operations in its later years.

History

Construction and Early Operations

Built in 1869, the Samuel P. Ely was originally registered under the ownership of N.C. & H.J. Winslow of Cleveland, Ohio. Its sturdy design and capacity made it ideal for transporting bulk materials, particularly iron ore, which was critical to the industrial growth of the Great Lakes region.

Incidents and Ownership Changes

Throughout its career, the ship endured multiple challenges:

  • 1869: Collision on the St. Clair Flats shortly after its launch.
  • 1871: Lost its maingaff during a storm on Lake Michigan.
  • 1873: Grounded at Neebish in the St. Mary’s River but was successfully salvaged.
  • 1885: Lost its main and mizzen masts in a storm on Lake Erie; later repaired and potentially converted to a towbarge.
  • 1887: Sank in shallow water on Lake Erie but was recovered and repaired.

Ownership transitioned to Russell of Cleveland (1879), Lucy Russell (1882), and M.A. Bradley & Co. of Cleveland (1884). Over the years, the vessel underwent significant repairs to maintain its operational integrity, including substantial structural reinforcements.

Final Voyage and Wreck

On October 29, 1896, during a gale at Two Harbors, Minnesota, the Samuel P. Ely broke free from its Tug and was driven across the harbor, ultimately crashing into the stone Breakwater. Despite the violent storm, much of the Hull remained intact, preserving its essential features. The ship’s documents were surrendered in Cleveland on April 19, 1897, marking the end of its official registry.

Final Disposition

The Samuel P. Ely’s remains rest in shallow water near Two Harbors, Minnesota. The wreck is partially intact, offering a unique glimpse into the design and construction of 19th-century Great Lakes Schooner barges.

Located By & Date Found

The wreck has long been known due to its visible location and the dramatic circumstances of its sinking. It remains a point of interest for divers and historians.

NOTMARs & Advisories

The wreck is located near Two Harbors, Minnesota, in shallow water and is accessible for exploration. Local conditions should be checked before diving, as weather and Visibility can vary.

Resources & Links

Legacy

The Samuel P. Ely is remembered not only for its service in the iron ore trade but also for its dramatic demise. The wreck is a significant artifact of maritime history, showcasing the resilience and vulnerabilities of Schooner barges during the height of Great Lakes commerce. Its final resting place has become a historical landmark, serving as a reminder of the risks faced by sailors on the Great Lakes.