Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: ST. LAWRENCE

•Type: Schooner (formerly a Bark)

•Year Built: 1863 (Rebuild in 1876)

•Builder: Quayle & Martin, Cleveland, Ohio

•Dimensions:

•Length: 137 feet (41.8 meters)

•Beam: 26 feet (7.9 meters)

•Depth: 11 feet (3.4 meters)

•Tonnage:

•Gross: 281 tons (initially 325 tons before Rebuild)

•Net: 267 tons

•Final Location: Lorain, Ohio, Lake Erie

•Coordinates: 41°28.42′ N, 82°10.12′ W

•Depth: 20 feet (6 meters)

Vessel Type Description

The ST. LAWRENCE began its service in 1863 as a Bark-rigged vessel with three masts, designed for bulk cargo transport on the Great Lakes. It was later converted into a Schooner during its 1876 Rebuild, reflecting its adaptability to evolving maritime demands. Schooners like the ST. LAWRENCE were efficient for grain, stone, and other commodities, crucial to the region’s economy during the 19th century.

Historical Summary

•Early Career (1863-1875):

Launched in Cleveland, Ohio, the ST. LAWRENCE initially operated as a Bark, serving routes between ports on the Great Lakes. Early ownership included B. Shepard (1865) and William M. Egan (1871). The vessel underwent repairs in 1872 and 1874.

•Rebuild & Transition (1876):

The vessel was Rebuilt in 1876 and converted to a Schooner, reducing its tonnage slightly but enhancing its operational efficiency.

•Notable Incidents:

•1863: Grounded while carrying grain; cargo loss of $400.

•1884: Ran aground at Duck Shoals, Lake Ontario, en route to Ogdensburg, NY. Freed with assistance from the HASTINGS.

•1887: Arrived at Portage Entry with a leak.

•1889: Operated as a Barge towed by the OHIO, transporting Berea sandstone to Duluth.

•Final Voyage (1900):

On November 21, 1900, the ST. LAWRENCE was wrecked in Lake Erie, marking the end of its service. Details of the wreck suggest it was likely due to challenging weather or navigational hazards common in the Great Lakes during this period.

Final Disposition

The wreck of the ST. LAWRENCE now lies in 20 feet (6 meters) of water near Lorain, Ohio, at coordinates 41°28.42′ N, 82°10.12′ W. The shallow depth makes the site accessible for exploration, though the extent of preservation is unknown.

Current Condition & Accessibility

•Condition:

The wreck is likely scattered and partially buried due to over a century of exposure to environmental conditions and human activity. The wooden Hull may have deteriorated significantly.

•Accessibility:

The site is in shallow water, making it accessible to snorkelers and beginner divers. Caution is advised due to potential debris and limited Visibility depending on weather and water conditions in Lake Erie.

Resources & Links

•Great Lakes Ships: Comprehensive data on vessels, including the ST. LAWRENCE.

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: Historical records and shipwreck documentation.

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Archive of vessel histories and incidents.

Conclusion

The Schooner ST. LAWRENCE epihttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpgizes the adaptability and resilience of 19th-century Great Lakes vessels. Transitioning from a Bark to a Schooner and serving in multiple capacities, its history is a testament to the dynamic demands of maritime commerce in the region. Although it met its end in 1900, the wreck offers a tangible link to this vital period in Great Lakes history and remains an accessible site for underwater exploration.

Tags

#GreatLakes #Shipwrecks #LakeErie #MaritimeHistory #Schooner #STLawrence #LorainOhio #UnderwaterExploration