The SS W.H. Gilcher was a notable steam lake freighter constructed between 1890 and 1891 by the Cleveland Shipbuilding Company in Cleveland, Ohio. Named after William H. Gilcher, one of the owners of Gilchrist, Gilcher & Schuck of Sandusky, the vessel was designed for cargo transportation across the Great Lakes. Laid down in early August 1890 and launched on December 18, 1890, the ship was initially known as "Hull No. 10" until her official christening in March 1891. She was one of the first steel-hulled lake freighters, reflecting a shift from traditional wood or iron construction, which allowed her to carry larger loads. Measuring approximately 301.5 feet in length (between perpendiculars) and 41.2 feet in beam, the W.H. Gilcher had a depth of 21.1 feet. Her gross tonnage was around 2,415 GRT, with a deadweight capacity of about 3,000 tons. The vessel was powered by a 1,200-horsepower triple-expansion steam engine, fueled by two Scotch marine boilers, enabling her to reach speeds of up to 9.5 knots. The ship was equipped with six cargo holds and featured a two-deck configuration with a forecastle, spar deck, and bridge. Commissioned in 1891, the W.H. Gilcher's maiden voyage was from Cleveland to Milwaukee, after which she regularly transported bulk cargoes such as coal, wheat, corn, and iron ore between Great Lakes ports. Notably, she set records for coal and grain transportation, including bringing over 3,255 tons of coal to Chicago and hauling nearly 114,000 bushels of corn and wheat. Her service was marred by several mishaps, including running aground at Point Edward in April 1892 and damage from ice in Duluth. Her career was cut short on October 26, 1892, when she departed Buffalo bound for Milwaukee with a cargo of coal. During a fierce storm on Lake Michigan, she was last seen struggling against the wind and was presumed to have foundered with all eighteen crew members lost. Debris and wreckage, including parts of the pilot house and bodies, were found washed ashore in November 1892, confirming her sinking. The loss of the W.H. Gilcher, along with her sister ship Western Reserve, highlighted the vulnerabilities of early steel-hulled vessels, especially given the imperfect steel production methods of the time. As of 2024, her wreck remains the largest lake Michigan shipwreck whose exact location is unknown, emphasizing her maritime significance as a historic and tragic vessel.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.