Queen of the West (1881, Wooden Propeller Steamer)

Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: Queen of the West
• Type of Ship: Wooden Hull Steamer (Propeller)
• Year Built: 1881
• Built By: William Crosthwaite Shipyards, West Bay City, Michigan
• Official Wreck Number: 20584
• Dimensions: Length: 65.53 metres (215 feet)  Beam: 9.91 metres (32.5 feet)  Depth: 4.97 metres (16.33 feet)
• Gross Tonnage: 818.84
• Net Tonnage: 625
• Construction and Ownership
• Hull Material: Oak (Wooden Hull)
• Owner: C.L. Hutchinson and partners, Cleveland, Ohio
• Purpose: Designed to transport bulk freight, including iron ore, coal, and grain, which were essential to the Great Lakes’ industrial economy.

Final Disposition

• Date of Loss: 21 August 1903
• Cause: The oak Hull sprung a major leak during heavy seas, and the pumps could not keep up with the incoming water. The ship succumbed to flooding and sank after a rescue operation.
• Wreck Location: 41° 50.750’ N, 81° 23.160’ W, approximately 13 kilometres (8 miles) north of Fairport Harbor, Ohio, in Lake Erie.
• Depth: 21.64 metres (71 feet)
• Cargo at Loss: Iron ore, en route from Escanaba, Michigan, to Erie, Pennsylvania.

Circumstances of Sinking

The Queen of the West set out with a load of iron ore, stopping briefly in Cleveland to separate from an accompanying vessel, the Sage. After continuing its voyage toward Erie, Pennsylvania, the ship encountered worsening weather.

Leak Discovery: Around 4 AM, the oak Hull developed a serious leak. Despite the use of pumps, the crew was unable to control the flooding.

Distress Signal: A distress signal was sent out as the ship began to sink.

Rescue Efforts:  The crew attempted to launch a lifeboat, but it was overturned in the rough seas.  Just as the situation seemed hopeless, the Steamer Codorus arrived and rescued all aboard.  The rescue was challenging, with some crew members injured during the transfer. The Chief Engineer’s two daughters narrowly avoided being swept overboard.

Final Sinking: Minutes after the crew was evacuated, the Queen of the West sank to the bottom of Lake Erie, settling in its current position.

Wreck Description

The wreck lies on Lake Erie’s muddy bottom and has become a popular site for divers. 

Condition: Much of the wooden Hull and timbers have deteriorated, leaving the midsection open.  The bow is the most intact part, with 3-4 feet of standing structure on the port side. The Stern is either missing or has collapsed to the bottom, with a debris field trailing behind.

Notable Features: The engine, boiler, winches, chains, and bow Windlass are still intact and visible. the midsection decking is gone, allowing a view into the Hull’s interior.

Visibility: With good conditions, divers can clearly observe structural elements and remnants of cargo.

Diving Notes

Depth: The wreck sits at 71 feet (21.64 metres), making it suitable for advanced divers.

Mooring Buoy: Placement of a mooring buoy by the Maritime Archaeological Survey Team (MAST) is planned to protect the wreck and aid divers.

Significance

The Queen of the West is a quintessential example of wooden propeller steamers that powered Great Lakes commerce during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It showcases the risks faced by these vessels in harsh weather and highlights the importance of the region’s iron ore trade.

The rescue of the crew by the Codorus was a testament to the camaraderie among mariners, as such life-saving efforts were often fraught with danger in stormy conditions.

Resources & Links

• National Museum of the Great Lakes
• Great Lakes Ships – Queen of the West
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Bowling Green State University
• Ohio’s Maritime Archaeology Program
• Wikipedia Fairport

Conclusion

The Queen of the West remains a poignant relic of Great Lakes maritime history. The well-preserved machinery, visible cargo remnants, and the dramatic story of its sinking make it a valuable site for historical study and diving exploration. Its legacy serves as a reminder of the resilience and bravery of the sailors who worked these dangerous waters.