Discovery of Lake Michigan Shipwreck Recalls Cleveland's Shipbuilding History

The Lac La Belle, a dual-purpose steamship built in Cleveland, sank twice before its final resting place was discovered in 2022.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The recent discovery of the Lac La Belle, a steamship that sank in Lake Michigan in 1872, has shed light on Cleveland's rich history of shipbuilding. The Lac La Belle was commissioned by a Cleveland company, built by a local outfit, and outfitted with engines and boilers from another Cleveland business. Though the ship had a tumultuous history, including a previous sinking in the St. Clair River, its discovery provides a glimpse into the vital role Cleveland played in the Great Lakes shipping industry during the Victorian era.

Why it matters

The discovery of the Lac La Belle shipwreck highlights Cleveland's once-thriving shipbuilding industry, which played a crucial role in the region's economy and transportation network during the 19th century. As the Great Lakes served as a vital waterway for both passenger and freight transport, Cleveland-built vessels like the Lac La Belle were integral to the development of the Midwest.

The details

The Lac La Belle was a dual-purpose steamship, capable of carrying both passengers and cargo, that was commissioned by Cleveland's Robert Hanna & Co. in 1864. It was built locally by Ira Lafrinier & Co., with engines and boilers supplied by the Cuyahoga Steam Furnace Co. The ship featured innovative design elements, including giant structural arches to provide support during heavy waves. Despite its advanced features, the Lac La Belle had a tumultuous history, running aground multiple times and sinking once in the St. Clair River in 1866 after a collision with another steamship. It was later raised and reconditioned, only to meet its final demise in Lake Michigan in 1872 during a winter storm.

  • The Lac La Belle was commissioned in 1864.
  • The ship sank in the St. Clair River in 1866.
  • It was reconditioned and put back into service in 1869.
  • The Lac La Belle sank in Lake Michigan on October 13, 1872.
  • The shipwreck was discovered by Paul Ehorn in 2022.

The players

Robert Hanna & Co.

The Cleveland company that commissioned the Lac La Belle.

Ira Lafrinier & Co.

The Cleveland-based company that built the Lac La Belle.

Cuyahoga Steam Furnace Co.

The Cleveland business that supplied the engines and boilers for the Lac La Belle.

Paul Ehorn

The shipwreck hunter who located the remains of the Lac La Belle in Lake Michigan in 2022.

Brendon Baillod

A maritime historian who provided context on the significance of the Lac La Belle and its role in Cleveland's shipbuilding history.

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What’s next

Ehorn plans to create a 3D photogrammetry model of the Lac La Belle wreckage, but is keeping the exact location secret until that work is completed.

The takeaway

The discovery of the Lac La Belle shipwreck serves as a powerful reminder of Cleveland's once-thriving shipbuilding industry, which played a vital role in the region's economic and transportation history. The ship's tumultuous story highlights the challenges and dangers faced by Great Lakes mariners in the 19th century, as well as the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the local companies that produced these vessels.