Smith Moore
Steam Barge · United States · Lost 1889 · Whitefish Point & Eastern Lake Superior
A three-masted wooden steamer struck in fog and sunk under tow near Grand Island in 1889, now a machinery-rich wreck near Munising.
Become Captain of RecordSee Shipwreck on Map
The Vessel and Her Loss
Smith Moore was a wooden propeller freighter built in 1880 in Cleveland for the iron ore trade. On July 13, 1889, she was struck by the steamer James Pickands in dense fog off Grand Island; though she survived the collision, she sank while under tow toward Munising for repairs. No lives were lost. The wreck lies largely intact off Grand Island and is one of the Alger Underwater Preserve's more advanced dives.
Vessel
- 1880
- US official no. 115721
- George Presley & Co.
- Cleveland, Ohio
- Wood
- 223.4 ft
- 35 ft
- 1191
- Steam, single screw
- Not established
Loss
- July 13, 1889
- Collision
- Off Grand Island, near Munising, Michigan
- Lake Superior
- Munising, Michigan
- Iron ore
- Not established
- 0
- Not established
The Wreck Today
- 70-105
- Largely intact wooden hull; deck partially collapsed forward
- Upright
- Not established
- Within Alger Underwater Preserve
Position
- 46.46° N 86.62° W
- Approximate position
- Munising, Michigan
Coordinates reflect published preserve dive-site listings.
Evidence
Overall confidence: Documented (80/100)
Michigan Underwater Preserve Council
Depth, location, dive conditions
Great Lakes Maritime Collection
Dimensions, ownership, loss narrative
