IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

Wreck Name: MORNING STAR

Type: Sidewheel Steamer

Date of Incident: August 1, 1868

Location: Near Lorain, Ohio, Lake Erie

Coordinates: 41° 36.813’ N, 82° 12.531’ W

Depth: 65 feet (21 meters)

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The MORNING STAR was a wooden Sidewheel Steamer built in 1862 in Trenton, Michigan. Powered by a vertical beam engine with two firebox boilers, the Steamer had sidewheels 38 feet in diameter. Measuring 243 feet in length, with a beam of 34 feet and a depth of 13 feet 6 inches, the MORNING STAR had a Gross Tonnage of 1,265.91 tons (post-remeasurement in 1865). Its single-Deck construction and two stacks marked it as a robust vessel for both passenger and cargo transport, including goods like iron bars, glass, and farm equipment.

HISTORY

Construction and Service

The MORNING STAR was launched in 1862 and quickly became a key player in the Great Lakes maritime trade. Owned initially by John Owen and others of Detroit, it transported passengers and goods between Cleveland, Detroit, and other major ports. The Steamer was part of the bustling shipping industry that connected the economic hubs of the Great Lakes region during the 19th century.

Notable Incidents

•May 1863: Struck an anchor in the Detroit River, causing damage.

•April 1865: Remeasured, increasing its tonnage and dimensions.

•Late 1865: Ran ashore near Oswego, New York, while carrying lumber.

•July 1866: Collided with a dock in the Detroit River.

•November 1866: Survived an arson attempt and machinery failures.

•May 1868: Experienced further mechanical problems near Cleveland.

In June 1868, the vessel was sold to the Detroit & Cleveland Steam Navigation Co., continuing its service under new ownership until its tragic end.

The Final Voyage

On August 1, 1868, the MORNING STAR departed Cleveland for Detroit carrying passengers and cargo. Four miles off Vermilion, Ohio, the Steamer collided with the Bark Courland during a stormy night. The collision caused catastrophic damage, sinking the MORNING STAR in minutes.

•Casualties: Of the 80 passengers and crew, 32 perished. Survivors clung to floating debris until rescued by the Steamer R.N. Rice.

•Cargo Lost: The vessel was carrying iron bars, glass, farm equipment, and other goods, all lost in the disaster.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The MORNING STAR sank after the collision with the Courland, coming to rest at a depth of 65 feet near Lorain, Ohio. The wreck, though documented shortly after the incident, is in a state of significant deterioration due to its age, the force of the collision, and the nature of the wooden construction.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The wreck lies upright in 65 feet (21 meters) of water, accessible to experienced divers. The violent sinking and subsequent exposure to the elements have caused significant deterioration, with the Hull likely collapsed and structural elements scattered. Despite this, the site remains an important historical artifact, offering insights into 19th-century Great Lakes shipping and Steamer construction.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) for this site. Divers are advised to exercise caution due to debris and potential entanglement hazards.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: A resource documenting Great Lakes shipwrecks, including the MORNING STAR.

•Bowling Green State University Historical Collections: Houses records of vessels lost on the Great Lakes.

•Ohio Shipwrecks: Provides information on Lake Erie shipwreck sites, including diving conditions and historical context.

ANALYSIS

The MORNING STAR represents the challenges of 19th-century maritime navigation and the perils of the Great Lakes. Its long history of service and frequent incidents culminated in its loss following a collision with the Bark Courland. The wreck serves as a historical touchstone, highlighting the economic and technological dynamics of its era.

For divers and historians alike, the MORNING STAR offers a sobering glimpse into the risks of early Steamer travel and the enduring legacy of Great Lakes shipwrecks.

TAGS

#GreatLakes #Shipwrecks #LakeErie #MaritimeHistory #MorningStar #LorainOhio #SidewheelSteamer #HistoricalShipwreck #UnderwaterExploration