IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Vessel Name: Cleveland

• Type: Sidewheel Steamer

• Year Built: 1837

• Builder: Fairbanks Church, Huron, Ohio

• Dimensions:

• Length: 186 feet (56.7 meters)

• Beam: 29 feet (8.8 meters)

• Depth of Hold: 11.5 feet (3.5 meters)

• Primary Use: Passenger transportation

• Powerplant: West Point Foundry engine with a 50-inch cylinder and 10-foot piston stroke

• Propulsion: Sidewheels, 24 feet in diameter, capable of 26 RPM

• Notable Features:

• Ladies’ Cabin with ten state rooms featuring three berths each

• Gentlemen’s Cabin extending the length of the vessel with 120 berths

• Luxurious saloons and a bar on the upper Deck

• Final Disposition: Destroyed by fire in 1854

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Cleveland was a Sidewheel Steamer designed exclusively for passenger transport, a rarity in its era, which was dominated by cargo vessels. Its lavish accommodations and advanced engineering made it a symbol of innovation and elegance. The vessel set a new standard for luxury travel on the Great Lakes, boasting amenities that appealed to both the upper class and business travelers seeking comfort during their journeys.

HISTORY

Construction and Launch

Built in 1837 by Fairbanks Church in Huron, Ohio, the Cleveland represented the pinnacle of maritime engineering and design of its time. It was commissioned as a passenger Steamboat to serve the growing demands of travelers along Lake Erie. The vessel’s construction combined a sturdy wooden Hull with an advanced steam engine crafted by the West Point Foundry, a leader in maritime propulsion systems.

Inaugural Voyage and Operation

The Cleveland began its service with an inaugural voyage from Cleveland to Buffalo in the fall of 1837, completing the journey in an impressive 14.5 hours. This remarkable feat of speed and efficiency set a benchmark for other vessels on the Great Lakes. The Steamer became an emblem of Cleveland’s ambition and technological prowess, earning a reputation for reliability and luxury.

Role on the Great Lakes

Over its operational life, the Cleveland was dubbed the “Queen of the Inland Seas,” ferrying passengers across Lake Erie with unmatched grace. It was a symbol of the burgeoning economic and cultural growth of the Great Lakes region, providing a vital link for travelers between major ports.

FINAL DISPOSITION

In 1854, after nearly two decades of service, the Cleveland was laid up and resting when a devastating fire consumed it. The wooden Hull and superstructure, once the epitome of luxury, were reduced to ashes. The loss marked the end of an era for the vessel, but its story remains an integral part of Great Lakes maritime history.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no currently active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specific to the wreck of the Cleveland, as its remains were destroyed in the fire, leaving no physical wreckage for future discovery.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Explore records and narratives of historic vessels like the Cleveland.

• Great Lakes Historical Society: Resources on 19th-century steamboats and their impact on the region’s economy and culture.

CONCLUSION

The Cleveland was more than just a Steamboat; it was a beacon of progress and a testament to the ingenuity of its builders and operators. Its blend of luxury and engineering excellence redefined travel on the Great Lakes during the mid-19th century. Though its physical form was lost to a tragic fire, its legacy endures as a symbol of the ambition and innovation that characterized the early days of maritime history in the Great Lakes region.

TAGS

#ClevelandSteamboat #GreatLakesHistory #MaritimeInnovation #LakeErieTravel #SidewheelSteamer #HistoricalShipwrecks