Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: St. James (originally referred to as “Schooner X” before identification)

•Type: Wooden Schooner

•Year Built: 1856

•Builder: Merry & Gay, Milan, Ohio

•Original Official Number: 22417

•Length: 118 feet (36 meters)

•Tonnage: Originally 302 tons; later adjusted to 226.76 gross tons

•Final Location: Long Point, Lake Erie

•Coordinates: 42°27.104′ N, 80°07.331′ W

•Depth: 165 feet (53 meters)

Vessel Type Description

The St. James was a wooden-hulled Schooner, typical of the mid-19th century Great Lakes sailing vessels. Built for cargo transportation, the vessel was designed for durability and efficiency in hauling bulk goods such as wheat and other agricultural products. Its scrolled figurehead and combination of wooden and cast iron Bilge pumps reflect both its craftsmanship and adaptations over time.

History

Construction and Early Ownership

The St. James was constructed in 1856 in Milan, Ohio, by Merry & Gay. Originally owned by C.M. Reed of Erie, Pennsylvania, the Schooner quickly became a vital part of the Great Lakes maritime economy, transporting goods across the region.

Key Incidents

1.1860 Collision: The Schooner was damaged in a collision, requiring significant repairs.

2.1868 Modification: The vessel’s tonnage was adjusted to 226.76 gross tons, indicating possible structural modifications or re-measurements.

3.Ownership Transfer: In 1870, Andrew Abernathy of Buffalo, New York, acquired the Schooner.

Final Voyage

In October 1870, the St. James departed Erie, Pennsylvania, carrying 14,000 bushels of wheat. Roughly 20 miles north of Erie, the vessel sank under unknown circumstances. Historical reports, including a December 12, 1855 article in the Free Press, referenced wreckage found on Beaver Island, including cheese boxes, cabin remnants, and other items, hinting at the Schooner’s demise.

Final Disposition

The wreck of the St. James was discovered in 165 feet of water off Long Point, Lake Erie. Initially unidentified, the vessel was labeled “Schooner X.” The discovery of its tonnage numbers carved into the main beam confirmed its identity. The Schooner was remarkably preserved, with its anchors, masts, cabins, wheel, and Bilge pumps intact, as though frozen in time.

Site Condition & Accessibility

•Condition:

The wreck of the St. James is considered one of the best-preserved 19th-century schooners in the Great Lakes. Its masts extend 80 feet off the lake bothttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpg, and many structural details remain visible, including its unique scrolled figurehead.

•Accessibility:

The depth of 165 feet (53 meters) makes this site accessible only to advanced and technical divers with proper training and equipment. The preserved state of the wreck offers a rare glimpse into Great Lakes maritime history.

Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs)

No current NOTMARs are associated with the wreck site, but mariners and divers should be cautious of its proximity to Long Point, a navigationally significant area of Lake Erie.

Significance

The St. James offers a rare, well-preserved example of 19th-century Schooner design and operation. Its historical role in transporting cargo and the circumstances of its loss provide valuable insights into Great Lakes shipping during this era.

External Links & Resources

•Great Lakes Ships: Historical records and vessel databases.

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: Documentation on Great Lakes wrecks.

•Erie Wrecks: Comprehensive guide to Lake Erie shipwrecks.

•Sea-View Imaging: Underwater photography and video resources of Great Lakes wrecks.

Analysis

The St. James is a significant find for both maritime historians and technical divers. Its preservation offers a window into 19th-century shipbuilding and sailing practices. The combination of historical accounts and physical evidence from the wreck underscores the dangers faced by Great Lakes mariners and the enduring intrigue of underwater exploration.