Introduction to Detroit’s Underwater Heritage
The Detroit River, a 32-mile stretch of water connecting Lake St. Clair to Lake Erie, holds more than just fish and cargo ships. Beneath its surface lies a hidden world of shipwrecks and artifacts, telling the story of Detroit’s rich maritime history.
For centuries, the Detroit River has been a vital waterway. Native American tribes used it for fishing and travel. French fur traders paddled its currents. Early settlers relied on it to build their new lives. As Detroit grew into a major industrial center, the river became even more important.
Today, the Detroit River is still busy with boats and ships. But it’s what lies beneath that excites history buffs and adventure seekers. Sunken ships, old cannons, and other treasures wait to be explored. These underwater wonders give us a unique look at Detroit’s past.
The Detroit River Boat Graveyard
Near Stony Island, Michigan, there’s a special place underwater. It’s called the Detroit River Boat Graveyard. This isn’t a spooky place, but a fascinating spot where old boats have come to rest.
The boat graveyard is home to about 20 to 25 wrecks. Some are completely underwater. Others stick out above the water’s surface. It’s like an underwater museum of Detroit’s boating history.
You can find all sorts of boats here:
- Old wooden ships from long ago
- Steamships that once chugged up and down the river
- Fishing boats that helped feed the city
- Even some modern boats that met an unlucky end
Each wreck has a story to tell. They show us how people used the river over time. They also remind us of the dangers ships faced in the past.
The boat graveyard is important for another reason too. It helps scientists and historians learn about the past. By studying these wrecks, they can understand how boats were built and used long ago.
History of Stony Island
Stony Island might be small, but it has a big history. For hundreds of years, it was home to the Potawatomi tribe. They used the island for hunting and fishing. The calm waters around it were perfect for catching fish.
In the early 1900s, things changed. A small group of people moved to the island. They built homes and started a little community. At the same time, workers came to build the Livingstone Channel nearby. This channel helped big ships move through the river more easily.
But the island’s busy time didn’t last long. Soon, people left. The buildings were torn down. All that remained were a few bits and pieces. Today, you can still see some of these old things underwater near the island.
For many years after that, Stony Island was quiet. Only one person lived there – Jack Mather. He was the island’s caretaker. Jack and his dogs called Stony Island home until 1987. After that, the island was left to nature.
Even though people don’t live on Stony Island anymore, it’s still an important place. Its waters hold secrets of the past. And its boat graveyard continues to draw curious visitors who want to peek into Detroit’s history.## Origins of the Boat Graveyard
The Detroit River Boat Graveyard didn’t just happen by chance. It all started in the 1990s, thanks to a company called Dunbar & Sullivan. They were in the business of dredging – digging up the bottom of rivers and lakes to make them deeper for ships.
Dunbar & Sullivan had an idea. Instead of taking old boats far away to get rid of them, why not put them in one spot? They chose a place near Stony Island. It was out of the way and wouldn’t bother anyone. Plus, the water was shallow enough to easily leave boats there.
Over time, more and more boats ended up in this spot. Some were old and no longer useful. Others had been damaged and couldn’t be fixed. Whatever the reason, they all found their final resting place in the Detroit River.
As the years went by, the boat graveyard grew. It became a kind of underwater junkyard for boats. But it also turned into something more. It became a place where people could see history up close. Each sunken boat tells a story about Detroit’s past and how important the river has been to the city.
Notable Shipwrecks and Underwater Discoveries
The Detroit River Boat Graveyard isn’t the only place where you can find amazing things underwater. The whole river is like a treasure chest waiting to be opened.
Steamships and Freighters
Some of the most exciting finds are big old ships. Steamships, which used steam engines to move, were once common on the river. Now, some rest on the river bottom. Freighters, used to carry cargo, have also met their end in these waters. These huge ships give us a peek into how people and goods moved in the past.
Military Artifacts
Believe it or not, there are even old military items in the river! Cannons from long-ago battles have been found. These remind us that the Detroit River wasn’t always peaceful. It played a part in conflicts between different countries trying to control the area.
Vehicles and Unexpected Finds
It’s not just boats down there. Sometimes, cars and trucks end up in the river too. How they got there is often a mystery. Divers have also found all sorts of surprising things. Old bottles, dishes, and even shoes tell us about everyday life in Detroit’s past.
Massive Anchors
One of the most impressive sights are the huge anchors scattered on the river bottom. These anchors, some weighing tons, once held big ships in place. Now they sit quietly, covered in algae and tiny sea creatures. They show just how big and powerful the ships on the Detroit River used to be.
All these underwater discoveries are like pieces of a puzzle. Put them together, and you get a picture of Detroit’s long and exciting history on the water.
Exploring the Detroit River’s Underwater Wonders
If you’re excited about seeing these underwater treasures for yourself, you’re in luck! There are ways to explore the Detroit River’s hidden world. But remember, safety comes first when you’re dealing with water and old shipwrecks.
Diving Opportunities and Rules
For those who know how to scuba dive, the Detroit River offers some great spots to explore. However, you can’t just jump in anywhere you want. There are rules to follow:
- You need to be a certified diver.
- Always dive with a buddy for safety.
- Some areas might be off-limits to protect the wrecks or for your safety.
- You should never take anything from the wrecks – look, but don’t touch!
Safety First
Diving in a river can be tricky. The Detroit River has some challenges:
- The water can be murky, making it hard to see.
- There are strong currents in some areas.
- Boats still use the river, so divers need to be careful and visible.
It’s important to dive only if you have the right training and experience. Always check the weather and river conditions before you go.
Best Times to Explore
If you want the best chance to see underwater wonders clearly, timing is key:
- Late summer and early fall often have the best visibility.
- Early morning dives usually have calmer water.
- Weekdays might have less boat traffic than weekends.
Remember, the Detroit River’s underwater world is always changing. Each dive can be a new adventure!
Michigan’s Broader Maritime Heritage
The Detroit River is just one part of Michigan’s amazing underwater world. The state is surrounded by four of the five Great Lakes, giving it one of the richest collections of shipwrecks in the world.
Michigan’s Shipwreck Collection
Michigan’s waters are home to thousands of shipwrecks. Each one tells a story about the state’s history:
- Some are from the early days of sailing ships.
- Others show how shipping changed with steam power.
- Modern wrecks remind us that even today, the lakes can be dangerous.
These shipwrecks are like time capsules. They show us how people lived, worked, and traveled in different times.
Underwater Preserves
To protect these underwater treasures, Michigan has set up special areas called underwater preserves. These are like parks, but underwater. There are 13 of them around the state, covering over 2,300 square miles of lake bottom.
In these preserves, shipwrecks and other underwater sites are protected by law. This means future generations will be able to see and learn from them too.
Comparing with Other Great Lakes Sites
While the Detroit River is special, other parts of the Great Lakes have amazing underwater sights too:
- Lake Superior has the famous wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.
- Lake Huron’s Thunder Bay is known as “Shipwreck Alley” because of its many wrecks.
- Lake Michigan has wrecks from the earliest days of Great Lakes shipping.
Each area offers something unique, but together they tell the story of the Great Lakes and the people who sailed them.
Conservation and Preservation Efforts
Keeping Detroit’s underwater wonders safe is a big job. Many people and groups are working hard to protect these special places.
Current Initiatives
Right now, there are several projects going on to help preserve the shipwrecks and other underwater sites:
- Scientists are using special cameras and sonar to map the river bottom.
- Divers are carefully cleaning some of the wrecks to keep them in good shape.
- Researchers are studying how the river’s environment affects the wrecks over time.
These efforts help us understand the wrecks better and find ways to protect them.
Challenges in Preservation
Protecting underwater sites isn’t easy. There are many challenges:
- The river’s current can damage wrecks over time.
- Some people might try to take things from the wrecks as souvenirs.
- Pollution in the water can harm the wrecks and the creatures living on them.
Balancing the need to protect these sites with people’s desire to see them is tricky.
Future Plans
Looking ahead, there are big plans for Detroit’s underwater heritage:
- Creating more detailed maps of the river bottom to find unknown wrecks.
- Using new technology like underwater robots to explore hard-to-reach places.
- Developing better ways to share information about the wrecks with the public.
The goal is to make sure these underwater wonders are here for future generations to learn from and enjoy.
Tourism and Education
Detroit’s underwater world isn’t just for divers. There are many ways for everyone to learn about and enjoy these hidden treasures.
Glass-Bottom Boat Tours
One of the most popular ways to see the wrecks is on a glass-bottom boat tour. These special boats have windows in the floor, letting you see underwater without getting wet. As you float above, a guide tells you about what you’re seeing.
These tours are great for:
- Families with kids
- People who don’t want to dive
- Anyone curious about what’s under the water
They’re fun and educational, giving you a unique view of Detroit’s history.
Educational Programs
Many schools and groups are using Detroit’s underwater heritage to teach:
- History classes learn about shipping and trade in the Great Lakes.
- Science students study how wrecks become homes for fish and plants.
- Art classes even use the wrecks as inspiration for drawings and paintings.
Some programs even let students build and use underwater robots to explore the river!
Impact on Local Economy
All this interest in underwater wonders is good for Detroit:
- Tourists come to see the wrecks, staying in hotels and eating at restaurants.
- Dive shops and tour companies provide jobs.
- Museums and educational centers bring in visitors year-round.
By protecting and sharing its underwater heritage, Detroit is creating new opportunities for its people.
Conclusion
Detroit’s underwater wonders are more than just old boats and sunken treasures. They’re a window into the city’s past, showing us how people lived, worked, and traveled long ago. Each wreck, artifact, and underwater site tells a part of Detroit’s story.
As we’ve explored, these hidden treasures face many challenges. Currents, pollution, and time itself all threaten to erase this underwater history. That’s why the work being done to protect and study these sites is so important.
But it’s not just about preserving the past. Detroit’s underwater world offers exciting opportunities for the future:
- It can inspire new generations to learn about history and science.
- It provides a unique draw for tourists, helping the local economy.
- It reminds us of the importance of protecting our waterways and natural resources.
We all have a part to play in keeping Detroit’s underwater wonders safe. Whether it’s supporting conservation efforts, following rules when diving, or simply learning and sharing the stories of these sites, every action helps.
By caring for these underwater treasures, we’re not just preserving history. We’re creating a bridge between Detroit’s past and its future, ensuring that the stories beneath the waves continue to inspire and educate for years to come.