Identification & Site Information:

• Name: SCIOTA
• Year Built: 1848
• Vessel Type: Propeller (Wood)
• Official Number: None
• Builder: E. Bates
• Build Location: Huron, Ohio
• Original Owner: William Wright et al., Huron, Ohio
• Enrollment: Sandusky, Ohio
• Specifications: Length: 154.5 ft (47.1 m) Beam: 24 ft (7.3 m) Depth: 11 ft (3.4 m)
• Tonnage (Old Style): 389 32/95 tons
• Hull Materials: Wood
• Number of Decks: 2
• Propulsion: Corliss Engine (23” x 42”)
• Boiler: 7’ x 15’ with 6’ x 6’ cast fireboxes
• Masts: 1

Vessel Type Description:

The SCIOTA was a wooden-hulled, two-Deck propeller vessel designed for both cargo and passenger transport on the Great Lakes. With its robust Corliss engine and moderate size, the SCIOTA exemplified mid-19th century maritime engineering, allowing for the efficient movement of goods like grain, flour, and oats across the growing Great Lakes trade routes.

History:

Launched in 1848 from Huron, Ohio, the SCIOTA began her career during a period of rapid expansion in maritime commerce on the Great Lakes. Built by E. Bates and originally owned by William Wright and associates, the vessel quickly became a familiar sight at ports across Lakes Erie and Michigan, carrying bulk agricultural goods vital to the Midwest economy.

Throughout her 16-year career, the SCIOTA experienced numerous maritime incidents, reflecting both the unpredictable nature of the Great Lakes and the inherent challenges faced by early steam-powered vessels.

Chronological Highlights:

• 1849: The SCIOTA ran ashore at North Point, marking one of her earliest incidents.
• 1851: Ownership transferred to George W. Holt and partners in Buffalo, New York, integrating the vessel further into the bustling grain trade network of the eastern Great Lakes.
• 1854: In October, she was towed into Cleveland, Ohio after losing her rudder during a severe gale—a testament to the difficulties faced navigating the often-turbulent waters of Lake Erie.
• 1855: Acquired by the American Transportation Co., led by Rufus C. Palmer, SCIOTA became a key player in large-scale freight movement out of Buffalo.
• 1860: She collided with the unlit, anchored Bark DAVID MORRIS in the Detroit River, losing her mast and suffering significant damage to her pilothouse. That same year, she ran ashore below Cleveland during a snowstorm.
• 1861-1862: The SCIOTA underwent extensive repairs and a Rebuild, extending her operational life and bolstering her structural integrity.
• 1863: Overhauled and repaired again at Bidwell’s Yard in Buffalo, she continued to transport bulk cargo across the lakes.

Final Voyage & Disposition:

On September 2, 1864, the SCIOTA met her tragic end in Lake Erie, east of Dunkirk, New York. While carrying 12,000 bushels of wheat, 1,700 bushels of oats, and 100 barrels of flour, she collided with the Propeller Steamer ARCTIC. The collision was catastrophic, and the SCIOTA sank swiftly.

Out of 23 people on board, 9 lives were lost in the incident, underscoring the persistent dangers of maritime travel on the Great Lakes, even for seasoned vessels and crews.

Final Location:

• Location: East of Dunkirk, New York, Lake Erie
• Date of Loss: September 2, 1864
• Final Cargo: 12,000 bushels of wheat, 1,700 bushels of oats, and 100 barrels of flour
• Depth: Unknown

Located By & Date Found:

• Located By: The SCIOTA’s wreck has not been definitively identified or recovered.
• Date Found: No confirmed discovery to date.

Notices to Mariners & Advisories:

• NOTMARs: No active notices for the SCIOTA wreck.
• Advisories: Mariners near Dunkirk, NY, are advised to be aware of historical wreck sites, though the SCIOTA’s exact location remains uncertain.

Resources & Links:

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Great Lakes Ships Database
• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• Buffalo & Erie County Public Library

Conclusion:

The SCIOTA represents both the promise and peril of 19th-century Great Lakes shipping. From her initial days navigating the challenging waters of Lake Erie to her tragic collision with the ARCTIC, the vessel’s history highlights the essential role propeller ships played in transporting agricultural goods during a pivotal era of economic growth. Her loss in 1864serves as a somber reminder of the dangers faced by mariners and the enduring legacy of those who shaped the region’s maritime history.

Keywords: SCIOTA Propeller, Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Lake Erie Maritime History, 19th-Century Steamships, Buffalo Shipbuilding, Dunkirk NY Shipwreck, Lake Erie Collisions, American Transportation Co., Grain Trade Vessels, Maritime Disasters.