Shipwreck Report: CITY OF CONCORD

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

•Wreck Name: CITY OF CONCORD

•Type: Wooden Propeller Steamship

•Date of Incident: September 29, 1906

•Location: Near Huron, Ohio, Lake Erie

•Coordinates: Latitude 41° 32.728’ N, Longitude 82° 32.811’ W

•Depth: 45 feet (15 meters)

•Condition: Deteriorated due to age and environmental exposure

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The CITY OF CONCORD was a wooden propeller Steamship built in 1868 by LaFrinier & Drake in Cleveland, Ohio. Initially a passenger Steamer for the Northern Transit Co., the ship was 135 feet (41 meters) in length, 26 feet (7.9 meters) in beam, and 11 feet (3.4 meters) in depth, with a Gross Tonnage of 386 tons. In 1881, it was converted into a bulk freighter to meet the increasing demand for freight transport, particularly for lumber and other bulk cargo.

HISTORY

•Construction and Service:

Launched in 1868, the CITY OF CONCORD served as a passenger Steamer, facilitating travel and commerce across the Great Lakes. It was later repurposed as a bulk freighter in 1881, a transition reflecting the growing dominance of freight over passenger services in the region.

•Incidents:

In 1893, the ship suffered a devastating fire near Toledo, Ohio, but was salvaged and repaired, continuing its service for over a decade.

•Final Voyage:

On September 29, 1906, while navigating upbound near Point Pelee, Lake Erie, the CITY OF CONCORD encountered a severe storm. The storm caused a significant leak, rendering the ship’s pumps ineffective once its fires were extinguished. Despite efforts by the crew to manage the flooding, the vessel succumbed to the storm and sank.

•Casualties and Survival:

The crew escaped in a small yawlboat, using a single oar to reach shore. Tragically, two crew members lost their lives during the ordeal, while the survivors endured a harrowing journey to safety.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The CITY OF CONCORD sank near Point Pelee and now lies at the bothttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpg of Lake Erie near Huron, Ohio, at a depth of 45 feet (15 meters). The wreck is likely in a deteriorated state due to over a century of submersion in Lake Erie’s waters. It remains an important site for divers and maritime historians.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) currently related to the wreck of the CITY OF CONCORD. Mariners and divers should exercise caution when navigating near the wreck site.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

•Depth:

The wreck lies in 45 feet of water, accessible to divers with experience in cold water and wreck exploration.

•Condition:

The wooden structure has likely decayed, with many parts collapsed or buried in sediment. Despite this, key features of the vessel may still be observable, providing valuable insights into the ship’s design and history.

SIGNIFICANCE

The CITY OF CONCORD is emblematic of the challenges faced by Great Lakes shipping in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Its history reflects the evolution of maritime commerce, from passenger transport to bulk freight, and underscores the dangers of navigating the Great Lakes, particularly during severe weather.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•Primary Sources:

Historical records, ship logs, and newspaper archives.

•Further Reading:

•Great Lakes Ships

•Bowling Green State University Historical Collections

•David Swayze Shipwreck File

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes

•Ohio Shipwrecks

•YouTube Resources:

Videos from dive groups like M.A.S.T. (Maritime Archaeological Survey Team), showcasing wreck mooring and exploration.

CONCLUSION

The CITY OF CONCORD’s story is a compelling chapter in the maritime history of Lake Erie. From its construction in 1868 to its tragic sinking in 1906, the vessel served as both a passenger Steamer and a bulk freighter, reflecting the dynamic demands of Great Lakes shipping. Today, the wreck serves as a poignant reminder of the perils faced by mariners navigating these challenging waters.

KEYWORDS

•City of Concord

•Wooden Steamship

•Lake Erie Shipwreck

•Point Pelee Wreck

•19th-Century Maritime History

•Bulk Freighter

•Great Lakes Tragedy

•Huron Ohio Wreck