dentification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: Columbian

• Type: Wooden Schooner-Barge

• Year Built: 1864

• Builder: William H. Wolfe, Fort Howard, Wisconsin

• Dimensions:

• Length: 138.7 feet (42.3 meters)

• Beam (Width): 26 feet (7.9 meters)

• Depth: 13 feet (4 meters)

• Tonnage: 456 tons

• Original Owner: Voight, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

• Final Disposition: Foundered near Dunkirk, New York, on Lake Erie in September 1913

• Cause of Wreck: Storm

• Cargo at Time of Loss: Lumber

• Location: Off the shores of Dunkirk, New York, Lake Erie

Vessel Type Description

The Columbian was a wooden Schooner-Barge, a common vessel type on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Initially designed for both lake and Ocean Trade, Schooner-barges like the Columbian were robust and versatile, with the ability to haul substantial cargo loads. They typically served a variety of routes across the lakes and even ventured into transatlantic trade on occasion. The Columbian, with its large size and ocean-ready design, was a prime example of a vessel meant for both local and distant waters.

History

The Columbian was constructed in 1864 by William H. Wolfe in Fort Howard, Wisconsin, for Voight of Milwaukee, with an eye on international trade as well as Great Lakes navigation. It was enrolled at various major ports, including Milwaukee, Sault Ste. Marie, and Detroit, adapting to shifting trade demands and ownership over time.

In the 1870s, Robert Meginnity of Detroit became its owner, and the Columbian saw frequent use across the Great Lakes, facing the typical hazards of the time—collisions, groundings, and structural repairs, all of which marked its journey. The vessel was resilient, enduring numerous challenges and extensive repairs to remain seaworthy.

In 1876, the Columbian achieved a notable milestone when it embarked on an ambitious transatlantic journey, sailing from Alpena, Michigan, to England with a load of lumber. The voyage, lasting 30 days, stands as a testament to the vessel’s construction and the capability of Great Lakes Ships to handle ocean conditions, a remarkable feat for a vessel primarily designed for freshwater navigation.

Ownership of the Columbian continued to change hands, with various captains and shipping enterprises overseeing its operations. However, its long history would meet an abrupt end in the early autumn of 1913. On September 4, while navigating near Dunkirk, New York, a powerful storm descended upon Lake Erie. The Columbian was no match for the tempest, and the wooden Hull succumbed to the waves. The vessel sank with its cargo of lumber, coming to rest on the lakebed off Dunkirk.

Final Disposition

The Columbian Foundered in September 1913 off Dunkirk, New York, during a severe storm on Lake Erie. Remarkably, no lives were lost in the tragedy. The ship’s remains, along with its cargo of lumber, lie on the lakebed, a silent testament to the vessel’s endurance and the hazardous conditions it braved throughout its nearly 50-year service.

Legacy and Historical Significance

The Columbian represents the spirit of Great Lakes vessels that operated during the golden age of maritime trade in the 19th century. Its transatlantic voyage to England exemplifies the adventurous nature of Great Lakes shipping, while its final moments off Dunkirk highlight the inherent dangers faced by vessels of the time. The story of the Columbian lives on in the pages of maritime history, symbolizing the endurance of the ships and sailors who navigated the lakes.

Resources & Links

For further historical information on the Columbian and similar Great Lakes vessels:

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes

• Great Lakes Ships Database: Great Lakes Ships Database

• Local Archives in Dunkirk, New York: Potentially holds regional records and accounts related to the wreck