Identification Card (Site Style)

Description

The Scotia was one of a class of four iron-hulled package freighters (sisters: Russia, Cuba, Java) launched at Buffalo in 1873 by the Union Dry Dock Company for the Union Line. At over 230 feet long, she was among the earliest large iron freighters on the Great Lakes, designed to haul mixed cargo including wheat, manufactured goods, and bulk commodities. Her iron Hull and steeple compound engine represented advanced technology for the era, costing $166,000 at launch.

History

• 1873 (May 19) – Launched at Buffalo; duplicate of Russia, Cuba, and Java. Entered Union Line service Buffalo–Chicago–Lake Superior.
• 1873 (July) – Carried record cargo of 1,720 tons.
• 1877 – Briefly ran “wild” (independent of fleet line service).
• 1878 (Aug 15) – Ashore at Toledo, Ohio; repaired.
• 1881 – Regularly stopped at Port Huron on Buffalo–Chicago run.
• 1884 (Sep 8) – Ashore on rocks at Agate Bay; later repaired in Detroit.
• 1884 (Oct 20) – Owned by Pratt, Danforth & Ash.
• 1884 (Oct 24) – Stranded in a Lake Superior snowstorm near Keweenaw Point while carrying wheat from Buffalo to Duluth. Vessel broke in two and was declared a Total Loss.

Final Disposition

Wrecked at Keweenaw Point, Lake Superior, in a snowstorm on 24 October 1884. Declared a Total Loss, but extensive salvage occurred:

• 1886 – Boilers and engines recovered.
• 1890 – Iron frame cut into sections and sold as scrap to Duluth junk dealers.
• 1974 – A 9-foot iron propeller salvaged and displayed at Fort Wilkins State Park Museum, Copper Harbor, Michigan.

Located By & Date Found

Known since loss in 1884. Salvage operations in 1886, 1890, and 1974 confirmed wreck site near Keweenaw Point. Remains are scattered and incomplete.

NOTMARs & Advisories

No modern Notices to Mariners apply. Site heavily salvaged, not a navigational hazard.

Dive Information

Access: Possible by boat from Copper Harbor
Entry Point: Keweenaw Point, Michigan
Conditions: Cold Superior waters; wreck heavily salvaged and scattered
Depth Range: Shallow nearshore remains
Emergency Contacts: USCG Sector Sault Ste. Marie
Permits: Required for artifact recovery under Michigan law
Dive Support: Copper Harbor charters service nearby wrecks

Crew & Casualty Memorials

No loss of life reported. No known dedicated memorials for Scotia.

Documented Statements & Extracts

“The iron Steamer Scotia, laden with wheat, stranded in a Lake Superior snowstorm near Keweenaw Point. Broken in two, she was Abandoned. Later, her engines, boilers, and much of her ironwork were salvaged.” — Great Lakes casualty lists, October 1884.

Registry, Enrollment & Insurance Trails

Official Number 115271. Built for Charles Ensign & Holt (Union Line) in 1873. Later owners included J.G. Milburn (Buffalo) and Pratt, Danforth & Ash (1884). Enrollment records confirm service in Buffalo–Chicago–Lake Superior trades. Insurance status at time of loss not confirmed.

Site Documentation & Imaging

Salvage records and recovered propeller (1974) confirm wreck site near Keweenaw Point. No full archaeological survey or photogrammetry has been published.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Great Lakes Vessels Database (BGSU/HCGL)
• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• Fort Wilkins State Park Museum, Copper Harbor – artifact display

References

1. U.S. Enrollment Records, Official No. 115271 (Buffalo, 1873).
2. Union Line historical fleet records, 1873–1884.
3. Great Lakes casualty reports, October 1884.
4. Artifact record – 1974 propeller recovery, Fort Wilkins State Park.

NOAA/WHS Shipwreck Record Card