Wreck of 1892 Ship Discovered in the Depths of Lake Superior

The long-lost wreckage of the Western Reserve, a 300-foot steel steamer that vanished over a century ago, has finally been found in the depths of Lake Superior.

Built as one of the first all-steel vessels to navigate the Great Lakes, the Western Reserve set sail in 1892, bound for Two Harbors, Minnesota. However, tragedy struck before it could reach its destination. Onboard were 28 people, including the ship’s owner, millionaire Captain Peter G. Minch, and his family.

Initially, the voyage progressed under calm conditions, but as the steamer approached Whitefish Bay, strong winds forced the crew to drop anchor and wait out the storm. On the night of August 30, 1892, the situation took a devastating turn. The powerful weather overwhelmed the ship, causing it to sink beneath the waves, leaving its fate a mystery—until now.

New discoveries have finally revealed the Western Reserve’s final resting place, shedding light on one of the Great Lakes’ most haunting maritime tragedies.