Identification & Site Information

Name: Pasadena

Type: Schooner

Registration Number: 150465

Built: 1889, Cleveland, Ohio

Builder: Unknown

Dimensions:

•Length: 259 feet (79 meters)

•Beam (Width): 40 feet (12.2 meters)

•Depth: 24.3 feet (7.4 meters)

Tonnage:

•Gross: 2,076 tons

•Net: 1,827 tons

Home Port: Cleveland, Ohio

Crew Complement: 8

Final Voyage: October 8, 1906

Final Location: Portage Ship Canal, Lake Superior

Fatalities: 2 lives lost

Vessel Type Description

The Pasadena was a large Schooner designed for cargo transportation, typical of the Great Lakes fleet in the late 19th century. Schooners of this size were well-suited for carrying bulk goods such as lumber, coal, or grain across the vast and often turbulent waters of the Great Lakes. The three-masted Pasadena exemplified the engineering of her time, with a robust design that allowed her to handle significant loads while navigating challenging waterways.

History

Built in 1889 in Cleveland, Ohio, the Pasadena quickly became a significant player in Great Lakes commerce, serving the booming industrial hubs of the region. Schooners like the Pasadena were integral to transporting essential goods that fueled the growth of cities and industries along the Great Lakes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The Pasadena operated for nearly two decades before her tragic final voyage in 1906. Her career reflected the busy and sometimes perilous life of Great Lakes shipping during this era.

Final Voyage & Incident

On October 8, 1906, the Pasadena was navigating Lake Superior when it encountered treacherous conditions near the Portage Ship Canal. The circumstances of her stranding remain unclear, but severe weather, mechanical failure, or navigational error may have contributed to the incident. At the time of the grounding, 10 individuals were aboard the vessel, including her regular crew and possibly passengers or additional workers.

Despite rescue efforts, two lives were lost during the stranding, highlighting the perilous conditions faced by those aboard. The incident left the Pasadena irreparably stranded and marked the end of her service on the Great Lakes.

Final Disposition

The Pasadena was declared a Total Loss after her stranding at Portage Ship Canal. The exact fate of her wreckage is not well-documented, but it is likely that salvage operations were attempted for any valuable materials, a common practice for vessels of the era.

Historical Significance

The loss of the Pasadena underscores the inherent dangers of maritime trade on the Great Lakes, where unpredictable weather and challenging navigation routes posed constant threats to vessels and their crews. The Schooner’s story serves as a reminder of the risks taken by those who contributed to the region’s economic development during the height of industrial shipping.

Resources & Links

1.Loss of American Vessels Reported During Fiscal Year 1907: Provides official documentation of the Pasadena’s stranding and the associated loss of life.

2.Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Repository of information about schooners like the Pasadena and other Great Lakes vessels.

3.David Swayze Shipwreck File: Historical data on Great Lakes shipwrecks.

4.NOAA Maritime Heritage Program: Survey records and research related to Great Lakes shipwrecks.

Keywords

Pasadena, Schooner, Lake Superior, Portage Ship Canal, Great Lakes shipwreck, 1906, maritime history, Cleveland shipbuilding, Great Lakes commerce.