Identification & Site Information

• Name: Cleveland

• Type: Sidewheel Steamer

• Tonnage: 574 tons

• Dimensions:

• Length: 197 feet (60.1 meters)

• Beam: 28 feet (8.5 meters)

• Depth: 11 feet (3.4 meters)

• Location: Near the mouth of the Two-Hearted River, Lake Superior, Michigan

• Year of Loss: October 28, 1864

• Coordinates: Not available

• Depth: Not specified

Vessel Type Description

The Cleveland was a wooden Sidewheel Steamer, built in 1852 by Wolverton in Newport, Michigan. Designed with luxury and power, the vessel featured a low-pressure steam engine built by Degraffe & Kendrick of Detroit, with a 40-inch (101.6 cm) cylinder and an 11-foot (3.4 meters) stroke, which enabled it to achieve considerable speed for its time. The interior, furnished by Stevens & Zug of Detroit, offered passengers an elegant experience, making the Cleveland not only a symbol of technological advancement but also a luxurious mode of travel on the Great Lakes.

History

Launched in 1852, the Cleveland became an important vessel in the Great Lakes shipping industry. Under the command of Captain C.C. Stannard, the Steamer transported passengers and goods, bridging Lake Superior and Cleveland and fostering economic and social connections across the lakes. Admired for its speed and refined accommodations, the Cleveland was a regular presence on these waters and played a significant role in facilitating trade and communication.

The vessel’s promising service, however, met an untimely end on October 28, 1864. While navigating Lake Superior near the mouth of the Two-Hearted River, Michigan, the Cleveland encountered a violent storm. Despite the crew’s best efforts, the ship was driven onto a dangerous course by powerful winds and waves. Unable to withstand the fury of the gale, the vessel was lost to the depths of Lake Superior, taking with it a chapter of Great Lakes maritime history.

Final Disposition

The Cleveland was overwhelmed by a storm on October 28, 1864, and disappeared beneath the waters near the Two-Hearted River in Lake Superior. The wreckage has never been located, leaving its final resting place a mystery and a poignant reminder of the inherent dangers of lake navigation.

Notmar & Advisories

There are currently no Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the Cleveland wreck site. With the exact location of the wreck unknown, no specific advisories are in place.

Located By & Date

• Location: Near the mouth of the Two-Hearted River, Lake Superior, Michigan

• Discovery Status: The wreck has not been located.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The condition of the Cleveland remains unknown, as no wreckage has been located. Given its wooden construction and the violent conditions of its sinking, it is likely that any remnants are heavily deteriorated, potentially scattered or buried by sediment over time. Without specific location details, diving is not possible.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca

• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Collection of Great Lakes shipwrecks and maritime records

• Bowling Green State University: Great Lakes shipping archives and research resources

• Great Lakes Ships: Database of historical Great Lakes vessels and wrecks

• National Park Service: Resources on Lake Superior’s maritime history and preservation

Additional Notes

The story of the Cleveland reflects the challenges and innovations of 19th-century lake travel. Once a symbol of progress and luxury, the vessel’s tragic loss illustrates the unforgiving nature of the Great Lakes, particularly during the fall storm season. The Cleveland’s disappearance from registration marked the end of a vessel that, for a time, embodied the ambition and elegance of mid-19th century Great Lakes shipping.

Diving Notes & Recommendations

Due to the unknown location and presumed condition of the wreck, diving is currently not feasible. Should the Cleveland’s remains ever be discovered, careful documentation and preservation would be crucial, given its historical significance as a prominent Great Lakes Steamboat.

Conclusion

The Cleveland, launched in 1852 and lost in 1864, serves as a testament to both the progress and perils of mid-19th-century Great Lakes navigation. Its demise near the Two-Hearted River underscores the constant risks faced by those who navigated these vast, unpredictable waters. Although the Cleveland remains lost, its legacy endures as a symbol of both human innovation and the relentless power of nature.

Keywords: Lake Superior, 19th Century, Steamboat, Maritime History, Shipwreck