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James R. Benson (J. R. Benson)

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Identification & Site Information

Vessel Name: James R. Benson (also known as J. R. Benson)

Type: Wooden Barge (originally a Schooner)

Dimensions:

•Length: 139 feet (42.4 meters)

•Beam: 24 feet (7.3 meters)

•Depth: 12 feet (3.7 meters)

Gross Tonnage: 370 tons

Built: 1873 by L. Shickluna, St. Catharines, Ontario

Material: Wooden

Final Resting Place: Off Cedar Point, Sandusky Bay, Lake Erie

Date Sunk: June 20, 1899

Condition: Dynamited in 1900 to remove hazards; inaccessible for exploration

Vessel Type Description

Originally launched as a Schooner, the James R. Benson was later converted into a Barge to meet the changing needs of Great Lakes commerce. Its sturdy wooden construction, typical of the time, and dimensions made it well-suited for transporting bulk cargo such as coal. The vessel was part of a fleet serving the vital shipping lanes of Lake Erie, contributing significantly to the industrial economy of the region.

History

Construction and Evolution

Built in 1873 by the master shipbuilder L. Shickluna of St. Catharines, Ontario, the James R. Benson was crafted to navigate the rigorous conditions of the Great Lakes. Initially a Schooner, it served various owners and underwent modifications to become a Barge. By 1899, it had been operational for over 25 years, highlighting its durability and adaptability in the face of evolving maritime demands.

The Sinking

On June 20, 1899, while en route from Lorain, Ohio, to Amherstburg, Ontario, with a cargo of 802 tons of coal, the James R. Bensonbegan taking on water in Sandusky Bay. Despite the crew’s efforts, the vessel quickly sank in 20 feet (6 meters) of water. Thankfully, the crew escaped safely in the ship’s Yawl, ensuring no loss of life during the incident.

Post-Sinking

The wreck posed a hazard in the busy shipping lane of Sandusky Bay. To address the issue, the remnants of the James R. Benson were dynamited in 1900, a standard practice for the time, effectively eliminating the navigation hazard. While this ensured safe passage for other vessels, it also left the wreck inaccessible for modern exploration.

Previous Misfortune

The James R. Benson had a history of perilous encounters on the Great Lakes. In 1883, the vessel capsized and Foundered during a squall off Erie Point, resulting in the loss of one crew member. This earlier incident foreshadowed the vessel’s eventual fate, illustrating the dangers faced by sailors navigating the unpredictable waters of Lake Erie.

Ownership and Operations

At the time of its sinking, the James R. Benson was owned by the Cuddy-Mullen Coal Co. of Amherstburg, Ontario. It primarily transported coal, a crucial resource during the industrialization of the region. The vessel played a vital role in the Great Lakes shipping network, ensuring the flow of essential goods across ports.

Resources & Links

Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Explore shipwreck records and history

David Swayze Shipwreck File: Comprehensive shipwreck database

Great Lakes Ships Database: Detailed vessel histories

Historical Newspapers:

Cleveland Plain Dealer, June 21, 1899: Coverage of the sinking and rescue efforts

Photo Archives: Great Lakes Maritime Collection

Keywords

James R. Benson

J. R. Benson

Lake Erie shipwreck

Sandusky Bay shipwreck

Cedar Point

Great Lakes maritime history

Coal Barge

Schooner to Barge Conversion

19th-century shipwrecks

Conclusion

The James R. Benson, built in 1873 and lost in 1899, epihttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpgizes the resilience and peril of maritime life on the Great Lakes. As a Schooner turned Barge, it served for over two decades in the coal trade before succumbing to the waters of Lake Erie. The dynamiting of the wreck in 1900 ensured safe navigation but left the site inaccessible, preserving the vessel’s story only in records and memories. The James R. Benson remains a testament to the vital role of Great Lakes vessels in regional commerce and the enduring challenges of maritime navigation.


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