Brief History of John Mitchell

The John Mitchell was built in 1907 at St. Clair, Michigan.  It was a 420, steel bulk freighter.  After only three seasons on the Great Lakes, on July 9, 1911, the John Mitchell was rammed and sunk by the Canadian steam freighter William Henry Mack off Whitefish Point, Mich.  It was carrying a load of coal and a few passengers at the time.  The Mack was built as the American ship William Henry Mack in 1903 at Cleveland, Ohio by American Ship Building Co. for Mack Steamship Co., Cleveland.  It was later renamed Canadian Valcartier in 1914.  Three men were lost from the Mitchell: Archie Causely, Al Clemens, and George Austin. Commander of Mack was Capt. Burnham.

The Site:  The John Mitchell is located about three miles WNW of Whitefish Pt and lies upside down in 150 feet of water.  Although the bottom of a ship is not very interesting, the cargo holds, engine room, quadrant room, and some cabins are accessible.  Access to the engine room and quadrant room is through the starboard side gangway near the stern of the ship.  The mooring is usually tied to the rudder.

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