Robert Wallace
Bulk Freighter · Lost 1902 · The Minnesota North Shore
The wooden ore freighter Robert Wallace sprang a leak off Minnesota's North Shore in 1902; her crew escaped to the barge she was towing, and she floated for hours, lights still burning.
Become Captain of RecordSee Shipwreck on Map
The Vessel and Her Loss
Built at Cleveland in 1882, the 220-foot wooden freighter Robert Wallace survived lightning, a stranding and fire before her last trip. On November 17, 1902, she left Superior with iron ore, towing the barge Ashland, and about four hours out sprang a leak. Her crew crossed to Ashland, which the tug Edna G. towed to Two Harbors. The Wallace floated for hours with her lights still on before sinking. Divers identified her in 2007 by the name on her stern.
Vessel
- 1882
- Official number 110518
- William H. Radcliffe
- Cleveland, Ohio
- Wood
- 220 ft
- 36 ft
- Not established
- Steam (screw)
- Not established
Loss
- November 17, 1902
- Mechanical failure
- About 13 miles southeast of Two Harbors, near Knife River, in about 240 feet of water
- Lake Superior
- Superior, Wisconsin → Cleveland, Ohio
- Iron ore
- Not established
- 0
- Not established
The Wreck Today
- Not established
- Not established
- Not established
- 2006
- National Register of Historic Places (2009)
Position
- 46.85° N 91.73° W
- Approximate position
- Two Harbors, Minnesota
Pin at the National Register listing position, rounded.
Evidence
Overall confidence: Partially documented (70/100)
Based on a Great Lakes vessel-history record and a public encyclopedia summary of her National Register listing; period records were not independently inspected.
Great Lakes Vessel History — Robert Wallace
Build, enrollment, ownership and loss record.
Wikipedia — SS Robert Wallace (summarizing NRHP listing 09000828)
Loss narrative, discovery, NRHP listing and position.
