Wreck Report: CHARLES B. HILL

Identification & Site Information

• Name: CHARLES B. HILL

• Official Number: Not Available

• Vessel Type: Wooden Passenger and Package Freighter

• Year Built: Not specified

• Dimensions: Approximately 252 feet in length

• Coordinates:

• Latitude: 41° 50’ 27.3012” N

• Longitude: -81° 3’ 4.86” W

• Location: Approximately one-half mile off Madison, Ohio, in Lake Erie

• Depth: 18 feet (5.5 meters)

• Orientation: Not specified

Vessel Type Description

The CHARLES B. HILL was a large wooden freighter designed to transport both passengers and package freight. Such vessels were indispensable during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, bridging vital commercial and transportation needs across the Great Lakes. Its design reflects the era’s engineering focus on versatility, allowing the transport of goods and people efficiently in one vessel.

History

The CHARLES B. HILL met its tragic end in 1906, when it succumbed to the unpredictable weather of Lake Erie. During a severe storm, the vessel began to take on water after springing a leak. Despite efforts to manage the emergency, the freighter ran aground near Madison, Ohio, where it eventually broke apart.

This incident underscores the hazards faced by Great Lakes vessels, especially those reliant on wood construction in an era of rapidly advancing shipbuilding technology.

Final Disposition

The CHARLES B. HILL grounded in 1906, with the wreck now resting in shallow waters at a depth of 18 feet. It has become a site of interest for divers and maritime historians, offering a glimpse into early 20th-century Great Lakes shipping.

NOTMARs & Advisories

• There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) concerning the wreck of the CHARLES B. HILL.

• While not a significant hazard to surface navigation due to its shallow depth and location, its site is noted for its accessibility and historical interest.

Located By & Date

The wreck was located approximately one-half mile off Madison, Ohio, in Lake Erie. The specific date of discovery is not recorded, though its location is well-documented for diving and historical reference.

Current Condition & Accessibility

• Resting at a depth of 18 feet, the wreck of the CHARLES B. HILL is accessible to novice divers.

• The remains are relatively intact, providing an excellent opportunity to explore the design and construction of early 20th-century wooden freighters.

• The shallow depth and proximity to shore make it a convenient and safe site for exploration.

Resources & Links

• Shipwreck Finder – CHARLES B. HILL: Shipwreck Finder

• Erie-Ashtabula Shipwrecks by Alchem Incorporated: Erie-Ashtabula Shipwrecks

Tags

#GreatLakesShipwrecks

#LakeErie

#WoodenFreighter

#MaritimeHistory

#ShipwreckResearch

#DivingSites

Conclusion

The CHARLES B. HILL serves as a testament to the resilience and challenges of Great Lakes shipping in the early 1900s. While its grounding in 1906 marked the end of its service, the wreck site continues to provide valuable insights into maritime history. Its shallow depth and intact condition make it an appealing location for divers and researchers alike, offering an accessible and tangible link to the past.