Identification & Site Information

Vessel Name Oxford (also known as the Tiller Wreck)

Vessel Type Brig (Scow Schooner)

Depth 164 feet (54 meters)

Length 114 feet

Location Lake Erie, near Sturgeon Point, New York

Coordinates 42° 28.855’ N, 79° 51.843’ W

Year Built 1847

Built At Ohio City, Ohio

Hull Materials Wood

Builder Not specified

Original Owner R. Johnson and others, Ohio City, Ohio

Dimensions Length: 75 ft 2 in, Beam: 18 ft 10 in, Depth: 3 ft 10 in, Tonnage: 49.6 tons (old style)

Masts 2

Decks 1

Home Port Cleveland, Ohio

Vessel Type Description

The Oxford was a scow Schooner, a flat-bottomed vessel commonly used for cargo transportation in shallow waters. Its compact design and two-mast configuration made it ideal for hauling goods like staves across the Great Lakes. Built in 1847, it served as an efficient but modest participant in the bustling trade routes of the mid-19th century.

History

The Oxford had an active but brief operational life, reflecting the challenges and risks of maritime commerce during its time.

• 1847: Constructed in Ohio City, Ohio, and registered in Cleveland. Initially owned by R. Johnson and partners, it began its service transporting goods across Lake Erie.

• 1848: Operated out of Point Clinton, Ohio, focusing on cargo runs of staves.

• 1849: Ownership changed twice—first to C.C. Butts of Cleveland in May and later to L.M. Brown in July.

Final Voyage

• October 23, 1849: The Oxford sank approximately 8 miles off Sturgeon Point, New York, under unknown circumstances. Its cargo of staves was lost, but the crew managed to escape unharmed.

Final Disposition

• Date of Loss: October 23, 1849

• Cause of Loss: Unknown

• Crew: All survived

• Final Cargo: Staves

Tags

• Shipwreck

• Brig

• Scow Schooner

• Lake Erie

• 19th Century Vessel

• Maritime History

• Great Lakes Shipwreck

• Oxford

• Tiller Wreck

Conclusion

The Oxford‘s short-lived service reflects the perilous conditions of Great Lakes navigation in the mid-19th century. Its wreck, now a historical site beneath the waters of Lake Erie, serves as a testament to the resilience of early mariners and the vibrant trade networks that shaped the region’s economic history. While the cause of its sinking remains a mystery, the Oxford continues to capture the imagination of historians and divers alike.

Resources & Links

• Great Lakes Ships

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes

• David Swayze Shipwreck File

• Great Lakes Maritime Database