Identification & Site Information
• Vessel Name: Columbian
• Year Built: 1864
• Builder: William H. Wolfe, Fort Howard, Wisconsin
• Dimensions:
• Length: 138.7 feet (42.3 meters)
• Beam: 26 feet (7.9 meters)
• Depth: 13 feet (4 meters)
• Tonnage: 456 gross tons
• Final Location: Off the shores of Dunkirk, New York, Lake Erie
• Date of Loss: September 4, 1913
Vessel Type Description
The Columbian was a Schooner-Barge, a vessel type commonly employed on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Built with a sturdy wooden Hull and rigged for sailing, the Columbian was designed to carry heavy cargo, often lumber, across vast distances. Schooner-barges were versatile and economical, often towed by steamers to reduce fuel costs and increase efficiency in the burgeoning trade networks of the time.
History
Construction and Early Years
The Columbian was constructed in 1864 by William H. Wolfe, a respected shipbuilder based in Fort Howard, Wisconsin. Owned initially by Voight of Milwaukee, the vessel was built with Ocean Trade in mind, making it larger and sturdier than many of its contemporaries. Enrolled in major ports such as Milwaukee, Sault Ste. Marie, and Detroit, the Columbian served a critical role in the transportation of goods across the Great Lakes and beyond.
Voyage to England
One of the vessel’s most remarkable achievements occurred in 1876 when the Columbian completed a transatlantic voyage from Alpena, Michigan, to England. Laden with lumber, this 30-day journey demonstrated the vessel’s capability and endurance, as well as the Great Lakes’ connection to international trade.
Ownership and Challenges
Throughout its life, the Columbian faced the rigors of maritime trade, including collisions, groundings, and necessary repairs. Ownership changed hands several times, with Robert Meginnity of Detroit being one of its notable owners. Each new steward ensured the vessel continued its work, adapting to the demands of an evolving maritime industry.
Final Disposition
On September 4, 1913, the Columbian met its end off the shores of Dunkirk, New York, in Lake Erie. Caught in a fierce storm, the vessel Foundered as its wooden Hull succumbed to the unrelenting waves. Despite the vessel’s tragic loss, the crew miraculously survived, leaving no fatalities to mar the incident.
The Columbian sank with its cargo of lumber, which settled on the lakebed. The wreck, though submerged and fragmented by time and the elements, serves as a silent reminder of the perils faced by vessels and their crews on the Great Lakes.
NOTMARs & Advisories
• Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs): There are no current advisories specific to the wreck site of the Columbian. However, navigators are advised to consult regional charts when traveling near Dunkirk, New York.
Located By & Date
The wreck of the Columbian has not been definitively located or documented in detail. It remains an area of interest for underwater archaeologists and divers exploring Lake Erie’s rich maritime history.
Current Condition & Accessibility
• Condition: The wreck is likely in a state of advanced deterioration, with remnants of the wooden Hull and its lumber cargo scattered on the lakebed.
• Accessibility: The site is accessible to divers, though it requires further identification and documentation for safe exploration. Strong currents and low Visibility in Lake Erie may pose challenges.
Resources & Links
1. Maritime History of the Great Lakes:
2. Wrecksite Database:
An excellent resource for shipwreck data, including details on the Columbian.
3. Great Lakes Historical Society:
Offers insights into 19th-century Schooner-Barge operations and vessel history.
Conclusion
The Columbian is a vessel that epihttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpgizes the resilience and challenges of Great Lakes maritime history. From its ambitious construction in Wisconsin to its transatlantic voyage and its eventual loss in Lake Erie, the vessel represents an era when the Great Lakes were a critical artery of trade and transportation. Though now at rest beneath the waves, the Columbian’s story lives on as a testament to the ingenuity and determination of those who built and sailed her.
Tags
#ColumbianShipwreck #SchoonerBarge #LakeErieShipwreck #MaritimeHistory #GreatLakesShipping #19thCenturyTrade #WoodenVessels
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