The Remarkable Tale of the Pretoria (1900): Wisconsin’s Illustrious Shipwreck
IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION
- •Vessel Name: Pretoria
- •Type: Wooden Schooner-Barge
- •Year Built: 1900
- •Builder/Owner: James Davidson, West Bay City, Michigan
- •Official Number: 150872
- •Material: Wood
- •Dimensions:
- •Length: 338 feet (103 meters)
- •Beam: Not specified
- •Depth: Not specified
- •Registry: United States
- •Cargo (Final Voyage): Iron ore
- •Final Location: Outer Island, Lake Superior, Wisconsin
- •Date of Loss: September 1, 1905
- •Depth at Wreck Site: Approximately 54 feet (16.5 meters)
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION
The Pretoria was a Schooner-Barge, a hybrid wooden vessel designed to be towed by steamers while transporting large cargoes. Renowned as the largest wooden ship ever constructed on the Great Lakes, the Pretoria embodied the pinnacle of American wooden shipbuilding. Despite its colossal size, it was still smaller than contemporary steel freighters, which could reach lengths of up to 500 feet.
HISTORY
Construction and Launch (1900):
The Pretoria was launched in July 1900, designed by James Davidson, a master shipbuilder known for his expertise in constructing large wooden vessels. It was crafted to haul bulk cargoes, including iron ore, wheat, and oats, showcasing advanced wooden shipbuilding techniques. Its value, including cargo, was an impressive $93,000.
Operational Career (1900–1905):
The Pretoria served the Great Lakes cargo trade, primarily transporting heavy bulk goods. Towed by powerful steamers like the Venezuela, the Schooner-Barge was a vital part of the region’s commerce.
Final Voyage and Wreck (September 1, 1905):
On its last voyage, the Pretoria carried iron ore from Superior, Wisconsin, under tow by the Steamer Venezuela. As the vessels navigated Lake Superior, they were caught in a violent storm.
•The Schooner-Barge’s hydraulic steering gear failed, and the tow line parted, leaving the Pretoria adrift.
•Waves relentlessly battered the vessel, tearing at its sides. Despite dropping anchor in a desperate attempt to halt its drift, the Pretoria continued to disintegrate as water flooded the hatches.
•Captain Smart and his nine-member crew Abandoned ship in a Yawl. Tragically, five crew members perished when the small boat overturned near Outer Island.
WRECK SITE AND DISCOVERY
Final Resting Place:
•The wreck lies beneath 54 feet of water near Outer Island in Lake Superior.
•Remarkably, the Pretoria’s masts once protruded above the surface, providing a haunting reminder of its fate.
Site Description:
•The wreck is scattered but retains significant integrity, with three large sections of the Hull—the Bilge, port side, and starboard side—still identifiable.
•The site includes the anchor Windlass, indicative of the ship’s grandeur, along with scattered debris found miles away.
Artifact Repatriation:
•In 1961, the Pretoria’s donkey boiler was salvaged and stored in the woods.
•On June 8, 2001, the Wisconsin State Historical Society, Great Lakes Shipwreck Foundation, and Great Lakes Shipwreck Preservation Society returned the boiler to the wreck site, honoring the ship’s history and crew.
PRESERVATION STATUS
The wreck is part of Wisconsin’s shipwreck heritage, recognized for its historical significance. The Pretoria offers a unique opportunity to explore one of the Great Lakes’ most extraordinary wooden ships. It remains protected under state preservation laws, ensuring its legacy endures for future generations.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES
•The wreck is protected by Wisconsin state law. Divers are required to respect preservation regulations and leave artifacts undisturbed.
•The site is suitable for recreational diving but requires caution due to scattered debris and historical sensitivity.
RESOURCES & LINKS
KEYWORDS
#Pretoria #Wooden Schooner-Barge #Lake Superior #Outer Island Shipwreck #Wisconsin Maritime History #James Davidson #20th Century Shipwreck
CONCLUSION
The Pretoria is a lasting symbol of the golden era of wooden shipbuilding on the Great Lakes. Its tragic loss in 1905 underscores the perilous nature of maritime trade in an era when storms and mechanical failures were formidable adversaries. Today, the wreck serves as a testament to human ingenuity, resilience, and the enduring allure of Great Lakes maritime history. Divers and historians alike continue to uncover its secrets, ensuring that the Pretoria’s story is preserved for generations to come.
3D Model – Pretoria
Pretoria by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab