Identification & Site Information:

  • Vessel Name: William H. Stevens
  • Type: Wooden Package Freighter (Propeller)
  • Year Built: July 1886
  • Builder: Not specified
  • Final Location: Off Clear Creek, near Port Burwell, Lake Erie
  • Coordinates: Approx. 42°19’N, 80°40’W
  • Depth: 70 feet (19 meters)
  • Dimensions:
    • Length: 212.4 feet (64.7 meters)
    • Beam: 37.2 feet (11.3 meters)
    • Depth: 13.7 feet (4.2 meters)
  • Tonnage:
  • Gross: 1,332 tons
  • Net: 1,025 tons

Vessel Type Description:

The William H. Stevens was a wooden-hulled package freighter designed for transporting goods, particularly valuable commodities, across the Great Lakes. Propelled by a screw system, the vessel was equipped with double hoists for cargo handling, enhancing its efficiency in loading and unloading operations. Its large size and robust construction made it a vital part of the bustling shipping industry in the late 19th century.

History:

Construction and Early Operations:

Built in July 1886, the William H. Stevens quickly became an essential vessel for transporting goods across Lake Erie and other Great Lakes.

Notable Events:

  • September 6, 1891: Ran aground between Point Au Pines and Cinder Point.
  • October 16, 1891: Fitted with double hoists to improve cargo handling.
  • December 1893: Acquired by Crescent Transportation Co.
  • April 1894: Underwent boiler repairs.
  • February 1895: Leased to French’s Union Transit Line.
  • 1899: Ownership transferred to Union Transit Co. of Buffalo, New York.

Final Voyage and Loss:

On September 8, 1904, the William H. Stevens caught fire and sank near Port Burwell in Lake Erie. At the time, it was carrying a valuable cargo, including 175 tons of copper worth $55,000. The vessel was declared a Total Loss.

Salvage Efforts:

Initial Reports:

  • 1902: A Tug reported seeing the wreck approximately 25 miles west by north of Erie, with the bow protruding 25 feet out of the water.
  • 1908: Salvage operations recovered around 60 tons of copper.

Identification:

In June 1910, the wreck was confirmed as the William H. Stevens during a wrecking expedition.

Final Disposition:

The William H. Stevens remains submerged near Port Burwell, Ontario. Its wreckage, including a bow with a six-foot rise, is heavily damaged and opened up. The site serves as a historical artifact, reflecting the challenges and dangers of shipping on the Great Lakes.

Current Condition & Accessibility:

The wreck lies in 70 feet (19 meters) of water, accessible to experienced divers. The remains, including the bow and remnants of cargo machinery, provide a glimpse into the vessel’s construction and tragic end.

Resources & Links:

3d Model – William H. Stevens

William H. Stevens by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab

William H. Stevens by Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary on Sketchfab

Analysis:

The William H. Stevens exemplifies the risks faced by package freighters operating on the Great Lakes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its service life, marked by groundings, upgrades, and ownership changes, reflects the operational challenges of the time. The vessel’s fiery end and the valuable cargo it carried highlight the economic importance of such ships and the perilous nature of their work.

Keywords:

William H. Stevens, Port Burwell shipwreck, Lake Erie freighter, Great Lakes shipping history, package freighter fire, copper cargo salvage, Union Transit Co.

Conclusion:

The William H. Stevens is a poignant reminder of the perils of Great Lakes navigation and the vital role of package freighters in regional commerce. Its wreck near Port Burwell offers divers and historians an opportunity to connect with a dramatic chapter of maritime history, while the stories of its loss and salvage continue to enrich our understanding of the Great Lakes’ industrial past.