Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: Columbus

• Year of Build: 1835

• Builder: Benjamin S. Goodsell, Huron, Ohio

• Vessel Type: Sidewheel Steamer

• Dimensions:

• Length: 131 feet (39.9 meters)

• Beam (Width): 28 feet (8.5 meters)

• Gross Tonnage: 391 tons

• Original Owners: Augustus Walker and others, Cleveland, Ohio

• Primary Waters: Lake Erie

Vessel Type Description

The Columbus was a wooden Sidewheel Steamer, an innovative vessel type during its time, powered by large paddle wheels on each side of the Hull. Sidewheel steamers like the Columbus were essential in the early development of Great Lakes transportation, designed for carrying both cargo and passengers with remarkable speed and efficiency for the era. Despite their capabilities, these vessels were also vulnerable to adverse weather and underwater hazards due to their construction and reliance on shallow waters close to shorelines.

History

Built in 1835 by Benjamin S. Goodsell in Huron, Ohio, the Columbus quickly became an active participant in the bustling Great Lakes trade under the ownership of Augustus Walker and partners from Cleveland, Ohio. Under the command of Captain McQueen, the vessel navigated the busy but treacherous waters of Lake Erie, enduring both routine voyages and harrowing weather.

In the autumn of 1844, the Columbus ran aground during a powerful storm on Lake Erie, a near-miss that foreshadowed its tragic end. The vessel was able to recover from this incident, but it faced an even graver encounter with the forces of nature just a few years later.

On March 28, 1848, while attempting to navigate near the piers at Dunkirk, New York, the Columbus was struck by a violent gale. Pushed against a pier, the Hull of the vessel was severely damaged, causing it to flood rapidly. Despite the crew’s efforts to save the vessel, the damage was irreparable, and the Columbus sank, becoming a Total Loss.

Final Disposition

The wreckage of the Columbus created a new hazard in the waters of Lake Erie. Later that year, in November 1848, the Steamer Fashion struck the submerged remains of the Columbus, sustaining significant damage. The Columbus remained an underwater obstacle, serving as a warning to future vessels navigating the area.

Legacy and Historical Significance

The loss of the Columbus underscores the challenges and risks associated with early Great Lakes navigation. Although no lives were lost, the vessel’s story highlights the unpredictability of Lake Erie’s weather and the vulnerability of wooden steamers to damage from storms and underwater obstructions. The Columbus also serves as a reminder of the importance of maritime safety, which gradually improved in response to such incidents.

Resources & Links

For additional resources on Great Lakes steamers and maritime history:

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

• Great Lakes Ships Database: Great Lakes Ships Database