Identification Card (Site Style)

Vessel Type

Built as a Barkentine for sail-powered bulk freight, the William T. Graves was among the largest wooden commercial sailing vessels on the Great Lakes. In 1870, she was converted to a twin-screw propeller Steamer with compound engines and midships cabins to remain competitive in the ore and grain trades (3DShipwrecks.org).

Description

Originally rigged with three masts, the vessel was typical of late-19th-century bulk carriers—robust framing, capacious holds, and heavy Deck construction. After Conversion, she operated as a large wooden propeller freighter, reflecting the hybrid period between sail and steam on the Great Lakes.

History & Chronology

• 1867: Launched and enrolled in Buffalo, NY (3 March), initially in the lumber and grain trade. Known for heavy cargoes, including 50,000–134,000 bushels of grain between 1867–69.
• 1869: Damaged in a collision at Chicago; changed ownership multiple times in the following decade.
• 1870: Converted to a propeller freighter with twin compound engines by Robert Mills, Cleveland, increasing tonnage and efficiency (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files).
• 1870s–1880s: Operated towing consort schooners such as George W. Adams and Scotia, continuing grain and freight service across the Upper Lakes.
• 1885, 31 Oct: While bound from Chicago to Buffalo with corn, towing George W. Adams, the Graves stranded at Dover’s Point during a snowstorm. The consort was cut loose, but the Graves was wrecked and declared a Total Loss (Sketchfab).

Final Disposition

Stranded and Abandoned after the storm. Machinery was salvaged and later installed in the Steamer Hennepin, demonstrating the reuse of valuable marine engines (shipwreckexplorers.com).

Located By & Date Found

The wreck site is part of the Manitou Passage Underwater Preserve. Coastal survey coordinates: N 45° 02.900 / W 086° 00.397, in ~6 m (20 ft) depth (michiganpreserves.org).

NOTMARs & Advisories

No current hazards. The wreck lies in preserve waters, marked on dive charts, and is protected under Michigan’s underwater preserve regulations.

Resources & Links

• Great Lakes Vessel History – William T. Graves
• Manitou Passage Underwater Preserve – Dive site info
• 3DShipwrecks.org – William T. Graves
• Shipwreck Explorers – machinery salvage

Conclusion

The William T. Graves illustrates the transitional era between sail and steam on the Great Lakes. Originally a large Barkentine, her Conversion to steam propulsion extended her commercial life. Her loss in the 1885 snowstorm off North Manitou Island closed the story of one of the largest wooden freighters of her era. Today, her shallow wreckage offers divers direct access to this history within Michigan’s protected preserve waters.

Keywords & Categories

• Wooden Barkentine converted to Steamer
• North Manitou Island shipwreck
• 1885 Lake Michigan snowstorm loss
• Manitou Passage dive site
• Machinery salvage and reuse

NOAA/WHS Shipwreck Record Card