Haynes Township near Harrisville in Alcona County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Rudder "Marine City"

Photographed by Mark Parker, June 24, 2025

1. Rudder "Marine City" Marker

Inscription.

After stopping for a load of shingles at Alcona the ship caught fire three miles off shore from Sturgeon Point. The fateful day was Aug. 29, 1880.

The tugs Vulcan and Grayling came to the rescue. Approx. 100 passengers, 41 crewmen leaped into the water ~ eighteen died.

Strangely the life saving crew was away from the station picking blackberries! However they did return in time to save some lives.

Some passengers were returning from a picnic in Black River.

The beached remains of the ship can still be seen about a mile north of here here, 100 yds off shore.

Built
Marine City, MI ~ 1886
Tonnage
337 Gross 287 Net

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Lost at Sea series list. A significant historical date for this entry is August 29, 1880.

Location. 44° 42.763′ N, 83° 16.382′ W. Marker is near Harrisville, Michigan, in Alcona County. It is in Haynes Township. It is on Point Road east of Spruce Trailways Road, on the left when traveling east. From the parking lot at the trailhead, follow the trail towards Sturgeon Point Lighthouse about 400 feet. The marker is under the shed next to the lighthouse. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 6071 Point Rd, Harrisville MI 48740, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Northern Michigan Lower Peninsula

and in one of the Lake Huron Shore counties. It is also in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Great North Woods,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Rudder ~ St. Tugboat "Loretta" (here, next to this marker); Rudder Unknown (here, next to this marker); U.S. Coast Guard Watchtower Alarm Bell (here, next to this marker); Anchor Windlass (here, next to this marker); Marine City (here, next to this marker); Loretta (a few steps from this marker); Capstan / Ice Crusher (within shouting distance of this marker); Bernice D (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Harrisville.

Rudder "Marine City" Marker next to the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Trail marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, June 24, 2025

2. Rudder "Marine City" Marker next to the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Trail marker

Rear side Rudder of "Marine City" next to the Sturgeon Point Lighthouse image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, June 24, 2025

3. Rear side Rudder of "Marine City" next to the Sturgeon Point Lighthouse

Credits. This page was last revised on July 12, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 6, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 101 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 6, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.