Identification & Site Information
• Name, Former Names: ADRIATIC.
• Type: Passenger Steamer (converted to a Barge in 1871).
• Dimensions:
• Length: 183.8 feet (56 m).
• Beam: 31.6 feet (9.6 m).
• Depth: 11.9 feet (3.6 m).
• Gross Tonnage: 482.38 tons.
• Construction: Wooden Hull with one Deck, originally with a plain head and square Stern; later converted to a Barge with one mast and no figurehead.
• Year Built: 1856.
• Builder: Buffalo, New York.
• Registry: Enrolled in Buffalo, New York.
• Ownership:
• Initial Owner: Charles Bancroft of Detroit, Michigan.
• Subsequent Owners: Elijah K. Bruce, Bank of Cazenovia, William Moore, William O. Brown, Thomas Coatsworth, Evans Buffalo & Chicago Line, Sidney T. Wilson, and James M. Ballentine.
• Final Voyage and Sinking:
• Date: October 1, 1872.
• Location: Near Long Point, Ontario, in Lake Erie.
• Depth: Undocumented.
• Final Disposition: Declared a Total Loss; documents surrendered on March 8, 1873, in Detroit, Michigan.
Vessel Type
Initially a passenger Steamer, the ADRIATIC served various companies across the Great Lakes. After its Conversion into a Barge in 1871, it transitioned into carrying cargo, reflecting its diminished passenger role and the evolving shipping demands of the time.
Description
The ADRIATIC was designed with a single Deck and robust wooden Hull, suitable for passenger transport. After Conversion to a Barge, its figurehead and round Stern were removed, reducing its aesthetic appeal but optimizing it for utilitarian purposes. Its one mast and stripped-down design reflected its simpler role in cargo transport.
History
The ADRIATIC had a storied and eventful career on the Great Lakes:
• Early Service: In 1856, shortly after its launch, the vessel suffered a broken shaft near Buffalo. In 1857, machinery failures occurred near Port Albino, Ontario, requiring further repairs.
• Ownership Transfers: Ownership changed frequently, with notable periods of operation under the Evans Buffalo & Chicago Line and Sidney T. Wilson of Chicago.
• Conversion: By 1871, under James M. Ballentine, the ADRIATIC was converted into a Barge to adapt to changing industry demands.
The vessel endured multiple incidents, including collisions, groundings, and machinery issues, all of which were resolved until its fateful end.
Final Voyage and Sinking
On October 1, 1872, the ADRIATIC was being towed by the Tug Wm. A. MOORE during a severe gale on Lake Erie. Along with the Barge BALTIC, it Foundered near Long Point, Ontario. Tragically, all seven aboard the ADRIATIC, including five men and two women, perished. The incident highlighted the dangers of Great Lakes navigation during the 19th century.
Legacy
The ADRIATIC is a stark reminder of the perils faced by vessels on the Great Lakes. It exemplifies the evolution of shipping from passenger transport to cargo hauling and the challenges of navigating the unpredictable inland seas. Its tragic loss, alongside the BALTIC, underscores the harsh realities of maritime life in the 19th century.
Resources & Links
Conclusion
The ADRIATIC’s career reflects the dynamic and often treacherous nature of Great Lakes shipping. From its early days as a passenger Steamer to its Conversion into a Barge, the vessel’s history offers valuable insights into the challenges of maritime commerce and the risks endured by those who worked these waters. Its sinking stands as a somber chapter in the maritime history of Lake Erie.
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