Site Description #
- Steamer
- 45ffw 15m
- 135 ftm j 43m Lengths
- Huron OH, Lake Erie
- 41 32.728 82 32.811
History #
The CITY OF CONCORD was a wooden propeller steamship that met its tragic end in Lake Erie. Built in 1868 by LaFrinier & Drake in Cleveland, Ohio, the vessel originally served as a passenger steamer. It had dimensions of 135 feet in length, 26 feet in width, and 11 feet in depth, weighing 386 gross tons.
In 1881, the CITY OF CONCORD underwent a significant transformation when it was converted from a passenger steamer to a bulk freighter. This conversion was part of the transition of the vessel from the Northern Transit Co. to serve as a lumber carrier. The ship continued its service on the Great Lakes, transporting various cargoes, including coal.
Tragedy struck the CITY OF CONCORD on September 29, 1906, near Point Pelee p in Lake Erie. While sailing upbound, the ship encountered a severe storm that caused it to spring a leak. The crew attempted to save the vessel, but the relentless storm overwhelmed their efforts. The ship’s fires were extinguished, leaving them without the steam power needed to operate the pumps and counter the flooding. Eventually, the CITY OF CONCORD succumbed to the forces of nature and sank into the depths of Lake Erie.
Despite the perilous circumstances, the crew of the CITY OF CONCORD displayed remarkable resilience. They managed to escape the sinking ship and reached the safety of the shore in a tiny yawlboat, despite having only one oar at their disposal. Tragically, two members of the crew lost their lives in the incident, while the remaining survivors endured the harrowing ordeal of the stormy waters.
This was not the first encounter with disaster for the CITY OF CONCORD. In 1893, the ship had suffered a fire near Toledo, Ohio, which resulted in significant damage. It was subsequently raised and repaired to continue its service on the Great Lakes.
The CITY OF CONCORD’s final resting place lies at the bottom of Lake Erie, near Point Pelee. It remains a testament to the challenges faced by sailors navigating the treacherous waters of the Great Lakes. The shipwreck serves as a reminder of the perils and sacrifices associated with maritime transportation during the era of wooden steamships.
The story of the CITY OF CONCORD exemplifies the risks faced by seafarers and the unpredictable nature of Lake Erie. It stands as a solemn reminder of the power and unpredictability of the elements, and the bravery of those who risked their lives on the Great Lakes.
