Identification & Site Information

• Name: Belle Cash

• Type: Wooden Barge

• Built: 1873 by C. Cash in Algonac, Michigan

• Dimensions: Length: 154 feet (47 meters), Beam: 29 feet (8.8 meters), Depth: 11 feet (3.3 meters)

• Gross Tonnage: 375 tons

• Final Voyage Date: September 27, 1875

• Location: Long Point, Lake Erie

• Site Status: Submerged and embedded in sand; remains unrecovered

Vessel Type Description

The Belle Cash was a large wooden Barge, robustly constructed for heavy cargo transportation across Lake Erie. Designed to be towed by steamers, it was integral to the logistical chain of the Great Lakes, serving alongside its sister Barge, the John W. Hannaford. The Barge’s size and capacity made it a key asset in the bustling maritime trade of the late 19th century.

History

Construction and Early Operations:

Built in 1873 in Algonac, Michigan, the Belle Cash quickly became a trusted vessel in the Cash fleet. Its namesake and builder, Captain Charles Cash, was a prominent figure in maritime operations on the Great Lakes. The Barge’s sturdy construction and cargo capacity made it well-suited for transporting goods across the often unpredictable waters of Lake Erie.

The Fateful Storm of 1875:

On September 27, 1875, the Belle Cash was being towed by the Steamer H.C. Schnoor, along with the John W. Hannaford, when a violent storm descended upon Lake Erie. The chaotic weather overwhelmed the operation, and both barges were driven aground on Long Point, a notorious hazard for mariners.

The crew of the Belle Cash faced peril as the vessel became stranded on the sandy shoals, a situation worsened by the ferocity of the storm. Thankfully, there were no reported fatalities.

Salvage Efforts:

Extensive salvage operations began almost immediately under the leadership of Captain Charles Cash. Despite the deployment of multiple tugboats—including the Sarah E. Bryant, New Era, and Magnet—and the use of heavy hawsers, the Barge could not be freed from its sandy entrapment.

Later Attempts:

In August 1876, the Coast Wrecking Company joined the salvage mission, utilizing advanced techniques to recover the vessel. However, their efforts also proved futile, as the Barge remained firmly embedded in the sands of Long Point.

Abandonment:

By September 1877, after nearly two years of recovery attempts, hope was Abandoned. The vessel’s documentation was surrendered at Port Huron, officially marking the end of its operational history. The Belle Cash was left to the elements, its legacy entwined with the shifting sands of Lake Erie.

Final Disposition

The Belle Cash lies submerged off Long Point, Lake Erie, in an area notorious for claiming vessels. The Barge is buried in sand and is considered irretrievable. Its presence remains a haunting reminder of the maritime challenges faced on the Great Lakes.

NOTMARs & Advisories

• There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) associated with the wreck of the Belle Cash.

• The area around Long Point remains hazardous for navigation, emphasizing caution for vessels in the vicinity.

Located By & Date

The wreck site of the Belle Cash is well-documented in historical accounts, though precise modern-day coordinates are not available.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The Belle Cash is believed to be heavily buried in sand near Long Point, Lake Erie. Due to its location and the nature of its entrapment, it is inaccessible for diving or exploration. The wreck remains largely undisturbed, a relic of 19th-century maritime history.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Comprehensive resource for shipwreck data.

• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Extensive database on Great Lakes wrecks.

• Great Lakes Ships Database: Historical records of Great Lakes vessels.

Keywords

Belle Cash, Long Point, Lake Erie, Wooden Barge, Shipwreck, Salvage Efforts, 19th-Century Maritime History, Cargo Vessel, Great Lakes Wrecks.

Analysis

The Belle Cash represents the resilience and ingenuity of 19th-century maritime commerce on the Great Lakes. Its tragic grounding and the extensive yet unsuccessful salvage efforts illustrate the immense challenges faced by mariners of the era. The wreck’s legacy is a sobering reminder of the treacherous conditions that defined Lake Erie navigation and serves as a historical marker of the region’s rich maritime heritage.