Near Port Sanilac in Sanilac County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

The Great Storm of 1913

By Mike Wintermantel, March 26, 2011

1. The Great Storm of 1913 Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Sudden tragedy struck the Great Lakes on November 9, 1913, when a storm, whose equal veteran sailors could not recall, left in its wake death and destruction. The grim toll was 235 seamen drowned, ten ships sunk, and more than twenty others driven ashore. Here on Lake Huron, all 178 crewmen on the eight ships claimed by its waters were lost. For sixteen terrible hours gales of cyclonic fury made man and his machines helpless.

Erected 1957 by Michigan Historical Commission. (Marker Number S0110.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list.

Location. 43° 24.178′ N, 82° 32.402′ W. Marker is near Port Sanilac, Michigan, in Sanilac County. Marker can be reached from South Lakeshore Road (State Highway 25) one mile from E. Washington Road. Located in a roadside park near the intersection of Washington Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Port Sanilac MI 48469, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 10

By Mike Wintermantel, March 26, 2011

2. The Great Storm of 1913 Marker

miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Loop-Harrison House (approx. 1½ miles away); Museum Church (approx. 1½ miles away); Platt's General Store (approx. 1½ miles away); Anchor (approx. 1½ miles away); Masonic and Town Hall (approx. 2 miles away); Patrick J. Tierney (approx. 9.2 miles away); Old Town Hall and Masonic Temple (approx. 9.3 miles away); Sanilac County Sesquicentennial Celebration (approx. 9.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Port Sanilac.

Cover of the Detroit News, Nov. 13, 1913 image. Click for full size.

3. Cover of the Detroit News, Nov. 13, 1913

Detailing the Great Lakes Storm of 1913. The mystery-boat in the picture was the carrier Charles S. Price.

Wave breaking on the shore of Lake Michigan by Lincoln Park image. Click for full size.

By Chicago Daily News, Inc.

4. Wave breaking on the shore of Lake Michigan by Lincoln Park

While a man watches from High Bridge

Ruins of life saving station image. Click for full size.

By Detroit Publishing Co., November 9, 1913

5. Ruins of life saving station

Point Aux Barques, Mich., after storm, Nov. 9, 1913 Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division

Credits. This page was last revised on August 3, 2020. It was originally submitted on March 27, 2011, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 976 times since then and 10 times this year. Last updated on August 2, 2020, by John Garman of Rochester Hills. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 27, 2011, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 3, 4. submitted on April 15, 2011, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 5. submitted on November 29, 2011, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.