Shipwreck Report: CITY OF SANDUSKY

Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: CITY OF SANDUSKY

• Official Number: C61158

• Type: Sidewheel Steamer

• Year Built: 1866

• Builder: G. Fordham, Sandusky, Ohio

• Material: Wood

• Dimensions:

• Length: 171 feet

• Beam (Width): 25 feet

• Depth: 9 feet

• Gross Tonnage: 608 tons

• Net Tonnage: 463 tons

• Final Location: Lake Erie, near Port Stanley, Ontario

• Date of Wreck: March 24, 1876

Vessel Type Description

The CITY OF SANDUSKY was a wooden-hulled Sidewheel Steamer primarily designed for passenger and package freight transportation. With a Walking Beam Engine characteristic of 19th-century steamers, it operated along key routes on Lake Erie, serving as a vital link between Port Stanley, Ontario, and Cleveland, Ohio. The vessel’s size and capacity made it well-suited for handling cargo and passengers alike during the peak of the Sidewheel Steamer era.

History

Construction and Early Career

Built in 1866 in Sandusky, Ohio, the CITY OF SANDUSKY was a marvel of its time, exemplifying the craftsmanship and ingenuity of its builder, G. Fordham. Initially operating under U.S. registry, the vessel transitioned to Canadian ownership in 1873 under Isaac May of Keswick, Ontario. The CITY OF SANDUSKY became an integral part of Lake Erie’s bustling maritime trade, ferrying passengers and goods between important ports.

The Fateful Fire

On March 24, 1876, while docked in Port Stanley, Ontario, the CITY OF SANDUSKY was engulfed by a devastating fire. Despite the crew’s efforts to contain the flames, the wooden Steamer burned entirely. Miraculously, no lives were lost among the crew or passengers, but the cargo was completely destroyed. The financial losses were significant, and the fire’s cause was suspected to be an act of arson.

Salvage Operations

Following the fire, salvage efforts were undertaken, including the recovery of the vessel’s machinery. The walking beam and shaft were salvaged for resale, though much of the machinery had been rendered unusable by the intense heat. The wrecking Tug MONITOR played a crucial role in these operations. Ultimately, the damaged Hull was towed out of Port Stanley and Abandoned in Lake Erie.

Suspected Arson and Investigation

The circumstances surrounding the fire raised suspicions of deliberate intent. Authorities offered a reward for information leading to the identification and conviction of those responsible, but records of the investigation do not indicate whether any culprits were apprehended.

Final Disposition

• Cause of Loss: Fire, suspected arson.

• Fate: Burned to the waterline while docked at Port Stanley; Hull later towed and Abandoned in Lake Erie.

• Salvage: Machinery partially recovered, but most rendered useless except for the walking beam and shaft.

NOTMARs & Advisories

• Status: Wreck site Abandoned; no modern surveys have identified the remains of the CITY OF SANDUSKY.

• Navigational Hazards: Not charted; remnants may no longer pose a navigational hazard.

Located By & Date

The CITY OF SANDUSKY has not been formally located in Lake Erie, and its exact resting place remains unknown.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Given the vessel’s destruction by fire and subsequent abandonment, it is unlikely that significant remains exist. Any remnants would be scattered and heavily deteriorated, buried in sediment or absorbed into the lakebed.

Resources & Links

• Great Lakes Ships Database: Historical data on the CITY OF SANDUSKY and similar vessels.

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Archival records and reports.

• Canadian Register of Shipping: Ownership and registry details.

Conclusion

The CITY OF SANDUSKY serves as a poignant example of the vulnerabilities of wooden steamers to fire and the potential perils of maritime travel in the 19th century. From its construction in Sandusky to its fiery destruction in Port Stanley, the vessel’s story encapsulates both the utility and fragility of sidewheel steamers. Despite its tragic end, the CITY OF SANDUSKY remains a significant chapter in the Maritime History of the Great Lakes.

Tags

#CityOfSandusky #LakeErieShipwrecks #SidewheelSteamer #MaritimeHistory #PortStanleyOntario #19thCenturyShipwrecks