Smith Moore

   One of the most popular dive sites in the Alger Underwater Preserve is the 226ft wooden-hulled Smith Moore.   The steam barge, equipped with sails, primarily hauled iron ore.   Running in dense fog, the Smith Moore collided with the steam barge James Pickands   on July 13,1889.  After the accident the Smith Moore was being towed by the M.M. Drake when it suddenly began to sink.  At the time of its sinking, the masts of the ship protruded out of the water 15 feet above the surface.
    Today it lies in 85ft of water virtually intact.  The cabins are gone but the deck remains.   Six cargo hatches provide easy access to the cargo hold during periods when sand does not fill the hold.  Much of the machinery remains such as the steam winches, capstans, mooring bitts, pinrails, pumps, boom saddles, and tackle.   The twin cylinder steam engine and stack can also be seen.