Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: Columbia

•Type: Wooden Sidewheel Propeller (later converted to a Tug)

•Year Built: 1848

•Builder: Joel R. Norton, Fairport, Ohio

•Dimensions:

•Length: 117 feet

•Beam: 18.6 feet

•Depth: 8.2 feet

•Tonnage: 168 54/95 tons

•Final Location: Believed to be in the vicinity of Lake Huron, Abandoned and wrecked

•Date of Wreck: 1862 (Reported)

Vessel Type Description

The Columbia was a wooden sidewheel propeller, a common design for mid-19th century steamers on the Great Lakes. These vessels were equipped with large paddle wheels mounted on the sides of their hulls, powered by steam engines, allowing them to carry passengers and cargo efficiently. The Columbia’s transformation into a Tug in 1861 demonstrated its adaptability to evolving maritime demands, emphasizing the utility and versatility of its design.

History

The Columbia was launched in 1848, a testament to the burgeoning maritime trade on the Great Lakes. Built by Joel R. Norton in Fairport, Ohio, it began its life as a robust vessel tasked with transporting goods and passengers. Owned initially by Aaron Wilcox of Painesville, Ohio, the Steamer faced both success and challenges throughout its service.

Notable Incidents:

1.October 1851: The Columbia collided with the Steamer Charter at Dunkirk, New York. The upper works sustained considerable damage, marking the first significant incident in its operational history.

2.May 1852: Another collision, this time with the Steamer Alabama between Dunkirk and Erie, Pennsylvania, resulted in damage to both vessels.

3.1858: While navigating near Thunder Bay, the Columbia sustained damage to its bow due to ice, leading to leaks. It was towed to the St. Clair River for repairs by the Steamer Forest Queen.

Despite these challenges, the Columbia continued to operate under various owners, adapting to different routes and roles. Notably, in 1854, it served the Chicago-Green Bay route and later, from Cleveland to Mackinac and Sault Ste. Marie.

Transformation:

In 1861, the vessel underwent a significant transformation under the ownership of Darius Cole and others. It was dismantled and Rebuilt as a Tug, shifting its role from a passenger and freight carrier to a utility vessel supporting river navigation.

Final Disposition

The Columbia’s story ended in uncertainty. Reports from 1862 suggested the vessel was Abandoned and wrecked, leaving the details of its final moments unclear. The wreck was likely a result of cumulative wear and damage from its years of service, exacerbated by the harsh conditions of the Great Lakes.

Located By & Date

There are no confirmed discoveries of the Columbia’s wreckage. Its reported abandonment in 1862 implies that it may have been left to deteriorate in an unspecified location near Lake Huron.

NOTMARs & Advisories

•No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are documented regarding the wreck of the Columbia.

•The wreck, if located, may pose potential hazards to navigation depending on its position and condition.

Resources & Links

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: A comprehensive database of Great Lakes vessels and incidents.

•NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory: For historical storm data and lake conditions.

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: A valuable archive of shipwreck records.

Conclusion

The Steamer Columbia’s life encapsulates the challenges and transformations of Great Lakes maritime history during the mid-19th century. From collisions and damage to its eventual Conversion into a Tug, the vessel exemplified the resilience and adaptability of ships of its era. Its eventual abandonment and wreck serve as a somber reminder of the toll that time and the Great Lakes’ unforgiving environment took on even the sturdiest vessels.

Keywords

#ColumbiaSteamer

#LakeHuronShipwreck

#SidewheelPropeller

#GreatLakesMaritimeHistory

#19thCenturyVessels

#ShipwreckMystery