The Story of the Propeller Ship CHARTER OAK

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

•Name: CHARTER OAK

•Type: Propeller Ship (originally launched as a Schooner)

•Year Built: 1847

•Builder: Bidwell & Banta, Buffalo, New York

•Dimensions:

•Length: 104 feet 5 inches (31.8 meters)

•Beam: 22 feet 3.5 inches (6.8 meters)

•Depth: 8 feet 7.5 inches (2.6 meters)

•Tonnage: 184 24/95 tons (using the old measurement system)

•Final Location: Near Elk Creek, Girard, Pennsylvania, Lake Erie

•Date of Loss: October 28, 1855

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The CHARTER OAK was initially built as a Schooner, a popular design for fast and efficient cargo transport on the Great Lakes. In 1848, just a year after her launch, the vessel was converted into a propeller ship, reflecting the maritime industry’s shift toward steam-powered technology. This transformation enabled the CHARTER OAK to maintain schedules and haul larger cargo loads more reliably, marking her as a versatile and forward-looking vessel of her time.

HISTORY

Construction and Early Service

Built in Buffalo, New York, in 1847, the CHARTER OAK was part of the burgeoning fleet supporting commerce on the Great Lakes. Her construction by Bidwell & Banta symbolized the growing reliance on durable, adaptable vessels capable of navigating the inland seas. After her Conversion to a propeller ship in 1848, likely undertaken in Detroit, the CHARTER OAK became a key player in the general cargo trade, including the transportation of staves—a vital component for barrels used in shipping.

Final Voyage and Tragic Loss

On October 28, 1855, the CHARTER OAK set out on what would become her final voyage. While carrying a cargo of staves near Elk Creek, Pennsylvania, the ship encountered a fierce storm. The vessel was driven ashore and wrecked, her Stern submerged, with her bow projecting approximately 20 feet above the waterline.

Despite her proximity to land, all 10 crew members tragically perished, marking a somber chapter in her history. The storm was so violent that no bodies were recovered, underscoring the perilous conditions faced by sailors during this era. The property loss from the wreck was estimated at $10,000, a significant financial blow.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The wreck of the CHARTER OAK was discovered shortly after her loss, resting about 8 miles from Elk Creek in Lake Erie. Her remains were noted for the dramatic split between the bow and Stern sections. Over time, it is likely that sedimentation and natural deterioration have obscured or buried much of the wreckage, leaving its exact state unknown.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the CHARTER OAK wreck site. The age and deterioration of the wreck likely make it no longer a navigational hazard.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The wreck of the CHARTER OAK was identified following her loss in 1855. While the general location near Elk Creek is documented, modern explorations have not pinpointed the exact GPS coordinates of the wreck.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Great Lakes Ships
• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• History of the Great Lakes Vol 1
• Great Lakes Marine History
• Historical Newspapers Archive – Search for contemporary reports on the CHARTER OAK’s wreck and related events.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SITE

The loss of the CHARTER OAK represents the transition from sail to steam propulsion on the Great Lakes and the dangers inherent in early Steamship navigation. Her story contributes to our understanding of 19th-century maritime trade and technology and the challenges faced by those who relied on these ships for their livelihoods.

CONCLUSION

The CHARTER OAK stands as a testament to the evolution of Great Lakes shipping, from her beginnings as a Schooner to her transformation into a propeller-driven vessel. Her tragic end in 1855 highlights the risks faced by sailors and the volatility of Great Lakes weather. Though her physical remains may be lost to time, the story of the CHARTER OAK lives on as a poignant chapter in maritime history.

KEYWORDS
Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Maritime History, Propeller Ships, Lake Erie, 19th Century Shipping, Shipwreck Resilience, Buffalo NY, Girard PA, Bidwell & Banta, Storm Wrecks