The St. Lawrence: A Storied Schooner of the Great Lakes

Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: St. Lawrence

• Vessel Type: Schooner (Originally a Bark)

• Built By: Quayle & Martin

• Place of Construction: Cleveland, Ohio

• Year Built: 1863 (Inland Lloyds Register states 1867)

• Rebuilds: 1876 (converted from a Bark to a Schooner)

• Dimensions:

• Length: 137 feet (41.8 meters)

• Beam: 26 feet (7.9 meters)

• Depth: 11 feet (3.4 meters)

• Gross Tonnage: 281 tons

• Net Tonnage: 267 tons

• Final Resting Place: Lorian, Ohio, Lake Erie

• Depth of Wreck: 20 feet (6 meters)

• Coordinates: N41° 28.42’, W82° 10.12’

Vessel Type Description

The St. Lawrence was initially built as a three-masted Bark, designed for cargo transportation across the Great Lakes. After its Rebuild in 1876, it was converted into a Schooner, reflecting the evolving needs of Great Lakes trade in the late 19th century. The vessel’s robust wooden construction and versatile design allowed it to transport goods such as grain and sandstone.

History

Construction and Early Years (1863-1867):

• Built in Cleveland, Ohio, by Quayle & Martin, the St. Lawrence was commissioned for transporting bulk cargo.

• Initially a Bark, the vessel featured three masts and a Gross Tonnage of 325 tons.

Rebuilds and Ownership Changes (1867-1876):

• The vessel underwent repairs in 1872 and 1874 before being Rebuilt in 1876, converting it into a Schooner.

• Throughout its career, the St. Lawrence changed ownership multiple times, including:

• B. Shepard of Chicago (1865)

• William M. Egan of Chicago (1871)

Notable Incidents:

1. November 17, 1884 – Grounding at Duck Islands, Lake Ontario:

• While transporting grain from Detroit to Ogdensburg, New York, the St. Lawrence ran aground at Duck Shoals.

• The vessel was freed with assistance from the Steamer HASTINGS, but the cargo suffered a $400 loss.

2. November 1887 – Leak at Portage Entry:

• The Schooner arrived at Portage Entry in Lake Superior with a significant leak.

3. 1889 – Towed as a Barge:

• By this time, the vessel was being towed as a Barge by the OHIO, carrying sandstone from Berea, Ohio, to Duluth.

Final Voyage and Wreck (November 21, 1900):

• The St. Lawrence was wrecked in Lake Erie near Lorian, Ohio. The vessel had seen decades of service but was no longer seaworthy after years of heavy use, repairs, and aging infrastructure. Its final owner was Etlie Baker.

Legacy

The St. Lawrence reflects the dynamic history of Great Lakes shipping in the 19th century. From its origins as a Bark to its Conversion into a Schooner and eventual use as a Barge, the vessel adapted to the changing demands of maritime commerce. Its incidents and rebuilds mirror the challenges faced by wooden ships navigating the often treacherous Great Lakes waters.

Current Condition & Accessibility

• The wreck of the St. Lawrence rests in 20 feet (6 meters) of water near Lorian, Ohio, in Lake Erie.

• The site is accessible to recreational divers and offers a glimpse into the construction and operation of 19th-century schooners.

Resources & References

• Merchant Vessel Lists (1885, 1900): Records detailing the vessel’s dimensions, ownership, and incidents.

• Inland Lloyds Vessel Register (1901): Provides details on the vessel’s final condition and wreck.

• Great Lakes Maritime History Archives: Documents related to shipping and shipwrecks on the Great Lakes.

• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Includes incident and wreck data for the St. Lawrence.

Conclusion

The St. Lawrence served as a testament to the resilience of wooden schooners on the Great Lakes. Despite multiple rebuilds and decades of service, it succumbed to the challenges of age and the elements. Today, its wreck near Lorian, Ohio, serves as a historical artifact, preserving the legacy of Great Lakes commerce and maritime perseverance.