IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

•Wreck Name: ALLEGHANY

•Type: Wooden Brig

•Date of Incident: September 12, 1855

•Location: Clay Banks, North Side of Lake Erie

•Coordinates: Not specifically documented

•Depth: Approximately 36 feet (6 fathoms)

•Condition: Sank rapidly after a collision with the Schooner YOUNG AMERICA. Declared a Total Loss with partial salvage operations reported.

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The ALLEGHANY was a wooden Brig with two masts, a common design for cargo vessels on the Great Lakes during the mid-19th century. Brigs like the ALLEGHANY were integral to regional trade, particularly for the transportation of bulk commodities. With a tonnage of 255 tons, the vessel was well-suited for its role in maritime commerce, specifically in hauling coal and other goods across Lake Erie.

HISTORY

The ALLEGHANY was already an established cargo vessel by 1849, owned by General C.M. Reed of Erie, Pennsylvania. The Brig operated as part of the Collingwood Line, contributing significantly to the Great Lakes’ shipping industry.

Incident Details

•September 12, 1855:

The Brig was en route from Erie, Pennsylvania, to Mackinaw with a cargo of 352 tons of coal. While sailing near Clay Banks on Lake Erie, the ALLEGHANY collided with the Schooner YOUNG AMERICA, which was carrying corn from Chicago to Buffalo.

The collision caused significant structural damage to the ALLEGHANY, leading to its rapid sinking in approximately 36 feet of water.

Salvage Efforts

Salvage operations began in October 1855. Although some parts of the wreck and its cargo were recovered, the Brig was declared a Total Loss. The estimated property loss was $6,500, with an additional $1,500 attributed to the lost coal cargo.

Impact on the YOUNG AMERICA

The Schooner also sustained damage, particularly to its forward section, and was towed to Malden for repairs. It survived the incident but at significant cost to its owners.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The ALLEGHANY was declared a Total Loss after the collision. The wreck remains on the lakebed near Clay Banks, likely in deteriorated condition due to the passage of time and partial salvage efforts.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The wreck lies at a depth of approximately 36 feet, making it accessible to divers. However, the advanced age of the wreck and the likelihood of deterioration mean that its condition is uncertain. Any remaining structure is likely fragile, and Visibility may be poor due to sediment and weather conditions.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Comprehensive information on Great Lakes vessels and shipwrecks.

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: Records of shipwrecks, including the ALLEGHANY.

•Great Lakes Ships Database: Details on ship specifications and incidents.

CONCLUSION

The story of the ALLEGHANY highlights the hazards of 19th-century shipping on the Great Lakes. The tragic collision with the YOUNG AMERICA underscores the navigational challenges faced by sailors, including limited Visibility and crowded shipping lanes. The loss of the ALLEGHANY is a poignant chapter in Lake Erie’s maritime history, serving as a reminder of the inherent risks of life on the water during this period.

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#GreatLakes #Shipwrecks #LakeErie #MaritimeHistory #Brig #Alleghany #HistoricalShipwreck #UnderwaterExploration