History #
The Alleghany was a wooden two-masted brig, with a reported tonnage of 255. The exact year of its construction is unknown, but it was built before 1849. The vessel was primarily engaged in maritime trade on Lake Erie.
On or around September 12, 1855, the Alleghany was sailing off Clay Banks on the north side of Lake Erie. It was carrying a cargo of 352 tons of coal and bound for Mackinaw from Erie, Pennsylvania, as part of the Collingwood Line of steamers. Unfortunately, the brig collided with the schooner Young America, which was heading from Chicago to Buffalo with a cargo of corn. The collision caused the Alleghany to sink rapidly in six fathoms (approximately 36 feet) of water.
The owner of the Alleghany was General C.M. Reed of Erie, Pennsylvania. The vessel was considered a total loss, and there is no mention of any loss of life in the available information. Salvagers were still working on recovering the wreck in October.
The Young America also suffered damage in the collision, particularly in the forward section. It was taken to Malden to undergo repairs. The total property loss for both vessels was estimated at $6,500, with an additional $1,500 in cargo value.
