Wednesday, October 14, 2015

on This Date in Minnesota History: October 14

October 14, 2009 – The Robert Wallace, a wooden bulkhead steamer, foundered in 300 feet of water on Lake Superior and sank November 17, 1902.

The Wallace had been towing the schooner Ashland, both laden with iron ore and heading to Cleveland. Thirteen miles south by southeast from the port of Superior, Wis., the stern pipe of the Wallace broke, and water began pouring into her hold. The crew soon saw that their ship was doomed and took to the lifeboat safely reaching the Ashland.

The Ashland burned distress signals, which were responded to by the tug Edna G., which towed the vessel into port at Two Harbors.

The tug returned and searched for the abandoned steamer; however, no trace could be found. It was believed to have gone to the bottom soon after the crew had saved themselves.

The remains [of the Wallace] were not found until Sept. 2006, 235 feet under Lake Superior’s surface and relatively intact seven miles from Knife River, Minn. Underwater archeologists discovered many well-preserved artifacts, including a bronze bell still attached to a wooden rail and engraved with the ship’s name. The hull is separated along the stem but the two sides remain relatively intact, as is most of the stern. Additionally, the fact that the bow was partially broken allowed a more thorough examination of nearly all hull construction features than is normally possible at other shipwreck sites.1

On October 14, 2009, the shipwreck of the Robert Wallace was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Bismarck Daily Tribune; “Crew Escape Safely. Steamer Robert Wallace Founders on Lake Superior.”; November 19, 1902, p. 1.

The Saint Paul Globe; “Founders on Lake Superior. Steamer Robert Wallace Sinks and the Crew Rescued.”; November 19, 1902; p. 3.

1http://www.greatlakesdrive.com/GLD/property/robert-wallace-wooden-bulk-carrier-1882-1902/

http://www.superiortrips.com/NShoreShipwreckImages/Wallace_Shipwreck.htm




The Robert Wallace
http://www.greatlakesdrive.com/GLD/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Robert-Wallace-NSMN.jpg
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If you are interested in finding out more about your family history in Minnesota, I specialize in researching  genealogical and historical records in Minn. and western Wis., including:
census records,  birth records,  death certificates, obits, grave site photos, ship passenger lists, marriage records and declarations of intent/naturalization records.  I will visit locations to research local history and county records, as well as take photos. Quick turnaround on MHS records.  Both short searches and family history reports.

Website: 
TheMemoryQuilt.com ®  click on Family History

Contact me at:
pjefamilyresearch@gmail.com 

 






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