Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: Henry Clay

•Type: Sidewheel Steamer

•Built: 1825 by James L. Barton, Black Rock, New York

•Hull Material: Wood

•Features: Sidewheels, two masts

•Final Disposition: Damaged beyond repair and Abandoned in Buffalo River, November 1835

Vessel Type Description

The Henry Clay was a Sidewheel Steamer, a pioneering design for Lake Erie’s waters. Constructed with a wooden Hull, two masts, and large sidewheels, it was an advanced vessel for its time, representing a significant step forward in lake navigation and maritime transport. Designed to move both people and goods, the Henry Clay embodied the early 19th-century push for connecting Great Lakes communities via steam-powered vessels, which were faster and more reliable than traditional sailing ships.

History

A Pioneering Launch

Built in 1825 by shipbuilder James L. Barton, the Henry Clay launched from Black Rock, New York, near Buffalo, during a period of rapid maritime advancement. Its sidewheel propulsion system allowed it to maneuver efficiently, making it ideal for transporting passengers and cargo across Lake Erie. The vessel quickly became a symbol of innovation, enabling faster and more consistent journeys across the lake. It served as a workhorse in the expanding network of Great Lakes steamers, establishing new connections between towns and cities along the lake’s shores.

The Fateful Storm of November 11, 1835

The most notable and tragic event in the Henry Clay’s history occurred on November 11, 1835. A severe hurricane-force storm struck Lake Erie, surprising vessels along the shoreline. The Henry Clay, along with other sidewheel steamers like the Sheldon Thompson and Sandusky, was moored in the Buffalo River when the storm unleashed its destructive power. The river’s water level rose by an astounding 20 feet due to a powerful storm surge, lifting the sidewheelers off the water and violently casting them onto the riverbanks.

Crew’s Courage Amidst the Tempest

Despite the terrifying conditions, the crew aboard the Henry Clay displayed extraordinary bravery. They clung to the vessel and fought to endure the storm’s onslaught, withstanding the wind, waves, and rising water. The vessel’s sturdy construction allowed it to hold together, even as the storm drove it ashore. Although no lives were lost, the storm left the vessel severely damaged and stranded high above the waterline, a somber testament to the storm’s might and the courage of those who faced it.

Final Disposition

When the storm subsided, the Henry Clay was found stranded and beyond repair, a once-promising vessel transformed by the hurricane’s fury into a wreck. The vessel was subsequently Abandoned in the Buffalo River, left as a relic of both early maritime engineering and the relentless power of Lake Erie’s storms. Its name was eventually removed from records, and the vessel’s remains were likely left to decompose or be removed as part of waterfront clearances in later years.

Located By & Date

The wreck of the Henry Clay was documented in November 1835, following the storm that left it stranded in the Buffalo River. No remains of the vessel have been reported in modern times, as the area was likely cleared as Buffalo’s waterfront continued to develop.

NOTMARs & Advisories

No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically relate to the wreck of the Henry Clay. Given its abandonment in a shallow, urbanized area, any remnants would likely have been removed or buried.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The Henry Clay was Abandoned in the Buffalo River and likely decomposed or was dismantled as Buffalo’s riverfront area evolved. If any parts of the wreck survived, they would likely be buried under sediment or structures along the waterfront, rendering the vessel inaccessible today.

Resources & Links

•Primary Sources: Newspaper accounts from 1835 detailing the storm’s impact on Buffalo’s riverfront and the vessel

•Further Reading:

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes

•Great Lakes Shipwreck Database

Conclusion

The Henry Clay, one of the earliest sidewheel steamers on Lake Erie, embodied the innovative spirit of early 19th-century shipbuilding and the promise of steam-powered travel. The vessel’s tragic encounter with the storm of November 1835 highlights both the unpredictable power of the Great Lakes and the courage of those who navigated their waters. The Henry Clay’s story, from its pioneering launch to its final resting place on the banks of the Buffalo River, serves as a powerful reminder of the indomitable spirit of early Great Lakes mariners and the fragile balance between human engineering and the forces of nature.

Tags

#GreatLakes #Shipwrecks #LakeErie #MaritimeHistory #HenryClay #SidewheelSteamer #BuffaloRiver #HistoricalShipwreck