CALIFORNIA: A Lost Propeller Ship of the Great Lakes

Identification & Site Information

• Name: CALIFORNIA

• Type: Wooden Propeller Ship

• Built: 1846, Buffalo, New York

• Builder: J.W. Banta

• Dimensions:

• Length: Approximately 169 feet (51.5 meters)

• Beam: 25 feet (7.6 meters)

• Depth: 10 feet (3 meters)

• Tonnage: 420 gross tons

• Final Resting Place: Either Gull Island Reef or Mohawk Island Reef, Lake Erie

• Date of Wreck: October 23, 1862

• Condition: Wrecked, no recorded salvage

Vessel Type Description

The CALIFORNIA was among the early propeller-driven vessels on the Great Lakes, designed to transport passengers and package freight efficiently. It had a wooden Hull, two decks, and a propeller-powered system that made it one of the largest and most advanced ships of its era. The vessel represented the transition in maritime technology, bridging the gap between sail-powered schooners and steam-powered vessels.

History

The CALIFORNIA was launched in 1846, a product of J.W. Banta’s shipyard in Buffalo, New York. Its innovative propeller-driven design and ample size made it a significant asset for the burgeoning shipping industry on the Great Lakes. Throughout its operational years, the ship provided vital transportation services, connecting ports and fostering economic growth in the region.

Incidents

• September 1846: Shortly after its launch, the CALIFORNIA ran aground at Point Pelee in Lake Erie. The ship suffered substantial damage but was successfully salvaged and returned to service.

• October 23, 1862: The vessel met its end during a violent storm. Struggling against fierce winds and waves, the CALIFORNIA ran aground on either Gull Island Reef or Mohawk Island Reef in Lake Erie. Despite the Total Loss of the ship, all passengers and crew survived. The incident was a stark reminder of the challenges faced by sailors navigating the unpredictable waters of the Great Lakes.

Cargo and Role

The ship was primarily engaged in the transport of passengers and freight, likely carrying goods such as grain, lumber, or other trade commodities. The exact cargo during its final voyage remains a mystery, leaving open the question of what valuable materials might have been lost to the lake.

Final Disposition

The CALIFORNIA was wrecked and declared a Total Loss in October 1862. The wreck has not been definitively located, and the possibility of its discovery remains a subject of interest for maritime historians and underwater explorers.

NOTMARs & Advisories

No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with the wreck of the CALIFORNIA. Mariners navigating near Gull Island Reef or Mohawk Island Reef should still exercise caution due to the area’s well-documented hazards.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The exact condition and location of the CALIFORNIA’s remains are unknown. If the wreck is discovered, it would likely consist of scattered wooden fragments, given its age and the natural decay process. The reefs in the region are known for their underwater hazards, which may complicate efforts to locate and study the wreck.

Legacy

The story of the CALIFORNIA encapsulates the dual triumphs and tragedies of 19th-century Great Lakes shipping. From its early days as a symbol of technological progress to its demise in a fierce Lake Erie storm, the ship’s journey highlights the perils and rewards of maritime trade on the inland seas. The survival of its crew and passengers in the face of disaster serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of those who braved the Great Lakes in pursuit of opportunity.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes

• David Swayze Shipwreck File

• Great Lakes Ships Database

Keywords

CALIFORNIA, wooden propeller ship, Lake Erie shipwreck, 19th-century maritime history, Great Lakes navigation, Gull Island Reef, Mohawk Island Reef, storm wrecks, Point Pelee grounding.