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Columbus (1835)

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Identification & Site Information

Vessel Name: Columbus

Type: Sidewheel Steamer

Year Built: 1835

Builder: Benjamin S. Goodsell, Huron, Ohio

Dimensions:

Length: 131 feet (40 meters)

Beam: 28 feet (8.5 meters)

Tonnage: 391 tons

Owners: Augustus Walker and others, Cleveland, Ohio

Final Location: Near Dunkirk, New York, Lake Erie

Date of Loss: March 28, 1848

Vessel Type Description

The Columbus was a wooden Sidewheel Steamer, a vessel type widely used during the mid-19th century for passenger and cargo transport on the Great Lakes. The vessel’s dual paddlewheels and steam propulsion system made it a key player in the burgeoning maritime trade, capable of navigating both open waters and nearshore routes. Steamboats like the Columbus symbolized innovation, enabling faster transport compared to sailing vessels of the time.

History

Construction and Early Service

The Columbus was constructed in 1835 by Benjamin S. Goodsell in Huron, Ohio, at the height of the Great Lakes shipping boom. Its design and construction reflected the growing demand for efficient vessels capable of handling both passengers and freight. Owned by Augustus Walker and others from Cleveland, the Columbus began its service under the command of Captain McQueen.

Challenges on Lake Erie

The vessel faced its share of hardships, including an incident in the autumn of 1844 when it ran aground during a storm on Lake Erie. Though it was salvaged and returned to service, the event foreshadowed the dangers that lay ahead for the ship.

Final Voyage

On March 28, 1848, the Columbus met its tragic end near Dunkirk, New York. While attempting to navigate the piers, the vessel encountered a fierce gale that drove it against a pier, breaching its Hull. Water poured into the vessel, and it quickly sank. The crew’s efforts to save the vessel were in vain as the Columbus succumbed to the elements, becoming a Total Loss.

Aftermath and Impact

The wreck of the Columbus created a navigational hazard. In November 1848, the Steamer Fashion struck the submerged wreck, sustaining significant damage. Though no lives were lost in either incident, the Columbus became a somber reminder of the dangers inherent in Great Lakes navigation.

Final Disposition

The Columbus was declared a Total Loss after its sinking near Dunkirk. The wreckage remained submerged in Lake Erie, posing risks to other vessels until it deteriorated further into obscurity.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no modern Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specific to the Columbus wreck site, though historical records document the hazard it posed to navigation shortly after its sinking.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The remains of the Columbus have likely deteriorated beyond recognition due to the passage of time and the lake’s natural processes. The site, if located, may consist of scattered fragments buried beneath the sediment of Lake Erie.

Legacy

The Columbus exemplifies the challenges faced by early maritime ventures on the Great Lakes. From its innovative design to its ultimate demise, the vessel’s story reflects the triumphs and tragedies of a formative era in Great Lakes navigation. Its legacy endures as a cautionary tale about the unpredictable and often perilous conditions faced by mariners.

Resources & Links

1. Maritime History of the Great Lakes

https://www.maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca

A comprehensive database of historical Great Lakes vessels and incidents.

2. Newspaper Archives:

• Coverage of the 1848 sinking and subsequent collision with the Fashion.

3. Erie Maritime Museum:

Provides historical context and artifacts related to early Lake Erie navigation.

4. Great Lakes Historical Society:

Resources on early steam vessels and the development of sidewheel steamers.

Conclusion

The story of the Columbus is one of innovation, resilience, and loss. Built to navigate Lake Erie’s challenging waters, the vessel faced both the promise and perils of Great Lakes shipping. Its ultimate fate serves as a reminder of the risks faced by early mariners and the enduring legacy of the vessels that shaped regional commerce and transportation. Though its timbers are lost, its tale remains etched in the annals of Great Lakes maritime history.

Tags

#ColumbusSteamer #SidewheelVessel #LakeErieShipwreck #DunkirkNY #GreatLakesMaritimeHistory #19thCenturyShipping #ShipwreckLegacy


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