Identification & Site Information

Vessel Type Description

The City of Superior was a propeller-driven ship designed to carry both freight and passengers across the Great Lakes. With dual high-pressure engines and two screws, the vessel exemplified advanced 19th-century maritime engineering. These features enabled it to travel efficiently across Lake Superior, taking advantage of growing trade routes to transport goods and passengers. As part of the Cleveland, Detroit & Lake Superior Line, it symbolized the evolving demands of Great Lakes transport, merging utility with modern propulsion technology.

History

Construction and Promise

The City of Superior was launched in 1857 from Cleveland, Ohio, a city then recognized as a hub for shipbuilding. Crafted by Lafrinier & Stevenson and owned by the prominent trading firm Hanna, Garretson & Co., the vessel was built with durability and speed in mind, well-suited to the often unpredictable conditions of the Great Lakes. With dimensions of 190 feet in length and a tonnage of 578, it had the capacity for substantial cargo while accommodating passengers, reflecting the shipbuilding ambition of the time.

The vessel’s dual high-pressure engines, featuring 24-by-36-inch cylinders, powered two screws each measuring nearly nine feet, allowing it to navigate the vast waters of the Great Lakes with relative efficiency. These engineering specifications placed it at the forefront of technology for its time, embodying a new era in lake transport.

The Fateful Night: November 11, 1857

On November 11, 1857, the City of Superior was struck by a blizzard while navigating the waters near Copper Harbor, Keweenaw Point, on Lake Superior. The severe storm, compounded by blinding snow, obscured the vessel’s path and forced it off course. At full speed, the vessel ran aground near Copper Harbor, causing catastrophic damage. The impact tore apart the vessel’s bottom, and the relentless waves further compromised the Hull. Within hours, the vessel began breaking apart, succumbing to the combined force of the storm and the lake.

Rescue and Salvage Efforts

Though the vessel was a Total Loss, much of its cargo, which included household goods and livestock, was salvaged, bringing a slight consolation. Notably, there was no loss of life among the crew, a testament to their resilience and the quick response following the incident. Under the command of Captain Spaulding, the crew was able to secure their own safety, ensuring that only material losses were sustained.

Final Disposition

The City of Superior was completely destroyed following the grounding, breaking apart within hours of the impact. The remains of the vessel settled in 40 feet (13 meters) of water, where it has since lain near Copper Harbor. Due to the depth and exposure to Lake Superior’s elements, the wreck likely deteriorated quickly.

Located By & Date

The wreck of the City of Superior was known immediately following the 1857 incident, but no significant salvage beyond cargo recovery was pursued, and the site was marked as a known navigational hazard.

NOTMARs & Advisories

No active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) exist today regarding the City of Superior wreck. However, divers and mariners are advised to navigate with caution near Copper Harbor, where the wreckage may pose potential hazards.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The remains of the City of Superior lie in 40 feet (13 meters) of water near Copper Harbor, Keweenaw Point. Given the vessel’s wooden construction and exposure to Lake Superior’s harsh environment, it is likely that the wreck has deteriorated significantly. The site may offer limited exploration potential, primarily for divers interested in the history of early Great Lakes shipping.

Resources & Links

Conclusion

The story of the City of Superior reflects the challenges and hazards faced by early Great Lakes vessels. Built with ambition and advanced for its time, the vessel’s journey was tragically cut short by a blizzard that overwhelmed its defenses. The salvage of its cargo and the survival of its crew offer a glimmer of resilience, while its wreck site near Copper Harbor remains a silent witness to the relentless power of Lake Superior and the bravery of those who sailed its waters.

Tags

#GreatLakes #Shipwrecks #LakeSuperior #MaritimeHistory #CityOfSuperior #CopperHarbor #HistoricalShipwreck #19thCenturyMaritime