Identification & Site Information

  • Name: St. Joseph (later renamed Frank B. Stevens)
  • Other Names: St. Joseph
  • Type: Wooden Propeller Vessel (later converted to Steam Barge)
  • Built: 1867, by Hitchcock & Gibson, Buffalo, New York
  • Dimensions (after modifications):
    • Length: 146.0 feet (44.5 meters)
    • Beam: 29.3 feet (8.9 meters)
    • Depth: 9.3 feet (2.8 meters)
  • Gross Tonnage: 473.93
  • Final Location: Sarnia Boneyard, Ontario, Lake Huron
  • Date Scrapped: Circa 1922

Vessel Type Description

The St. Joseph was initially built as a wooden propeller vessel, designed to carry freight and passengers on the Great Lakes. Its construction represented the technological standards of its era, featuring a robust wooden Hull and propulsion by a screw propeller. In 1880, it underwent a significant Conversion to a steam Barge, aligning with the evolving needs of the Great Lakes shipping industry. This adaptation allowed it to transport heavier cargo, such as lumber, which became a prominent trade in the region.

History

Early Years and Service

The St. Joseph was launched in 1867 and initially enrolled in Buffalo, New York. It was later operated out of Grand Haven, Michigan, by John T. Edwards & Company of St. Joseph, Michigan. In 1869, it was sold to the Goodrich Transportation Company, marking its shift to a more prominent role in regional trade and passenger transport.

Notable Incidents

  • 1871: Sank following a collision near Fighting Island in the Detroit River. The vessel was salvaged and repaired, allowing it to return to service.
  • 1880 Conversion: Repurposed as a steam Barge to meet the growing demand for transporting bulk cargo such as lumber.
  • Subsequent Rebuilds: The vessel underwent further modifications in 1887, 1889, and 1916, reflecting efforts to extend its operational life and modernize its capabilities.

Later Years

In 1916, the vessel was re-registered under the Canadian flag as the Frank B. Stevens by the American Transit Company of Sarnia, Ontario. This marked its final chapter as an active vessel on the Great Lakes. The Frank B. Stevens ended its career at the Sarnia Boneyard, a well-known shipbreaking yard, where it was dismantled around 1922.

Final Disposition

The St. Joseph (renamed Frank B. Stevens) was scrapped at the Sarnia Boneyard in 1922. Its remains were dismantled and removed, leaving no significant trace of the vessel. The exact coordinates and depth of its final resting place are not documented.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The vessel was fully dismantled during scrapping, and no remnants are accessible for diving or exploration. The Sarnia Boneyard remains a historical site of interest for maritime historians studying the disposal and recycling of Great Lakes vessels.

NOTMARs & Advisories

No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) pertain to the wreck site, as the vessel was fully scrapped and poses no navigational hazards.

Resources & Links

Tags – Wooden Propeller Vessel Steam Barge Great Lakes Shipping Sarnia Boneyard Maritime History 19th Century Shipwrecks

Conclusion

The St. Joseph (Frank B. Stevens) epihttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpgized the resilience and adaptability of Great Lakes vessels in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Its long operational life, marked by numerous rebuilds and modifications, reflects the economic and technological pressures faced by the shipping industry during this era. Though dismantled in 1922, the vessel’s history highlights the significant role of wooden propeller ships and steam barges in shaping maritime commerce on the Great Lakes. Its legacy endures as part of the broader narrative of Great Lakes maritime history.