History #
The CHESAPEAKE, owned by Burr Higgins and Company of Sandusky, Ohio, was built in 1838 by David R. Stebbins in Maumee, Ohio. This wooden vessel, powered by a vertical beam low-pressure steam engine with 120 nominal horsepower, featured 28-foot paddlewheels. It had a sizeable dimension, measuring 172 feet in length, 24 feet 6 inches in width, and 10 feet 2 inches in depth.
In the early hours of June 9, 1847, a fateful collision occurred on Lake Erie, resulting in the sinking of the sidewheel steamer CHESAPEAKE and the schooner J.F. PORTER. The incident, which took place off the coast of Conneaut, Ohio, claimed the lives of several individuals and left many others struggling for survival. This article delves into the details surrounding the tragedy, shedding light on the events leading up to the collision, the harrowing rescue efforts, and the subsequent investigation.
The CHESAPEAKE, a wooden sidewheel steamer, was built in 1838 by D. Stebbins in Maumee, Ohio. Weighing 412 tons and measuring 172 feet long, 24 feet wide, and 10 feet deep, the vessel primarily operated as a passenger and package freight carrier. On the night of the incident, it was fully loaded with dry goods and groceries.
Under the cover of darkness, the CHESAPEAKE collided with the schooner J.F. PORTER, which was laden with wheat and corn. The impact caused significant damage to both vessels, leading to their subsequent sinking. While the crew of the Porter managed to board the CHESAPEAKE before their vessel went down, the sidewheel steamer, despite its attempts to reach Conneaut Harbor, foundered approximately two miles from shore, ultimately settling in 40 feet of water.
As the CHESAPEAKE began to sink, passengers and crew members scrambled to find a means of escape. They made desperate attempts to reach shore using boats and makeshift rafts, often separating into small groups. The lake’s relatively calm conditions aided their rescue, with many being picked up by the steamer HARRISON along the way. Reports indicate that at least nine individuals lost their lives in the tragedy, although different sources cite varying numbers.
In the aftermath of the incident, an investigation was launched to determine the cause of the collision and ascertain any negligence on the part of the CHESAPEAKE’s officers. The trial, held in the United States Circuit Court in Columbus, Ohio, involved defendants Cyrenus H. Wilson, Henry R. Warner, and Ravens Diamond, who faced charges of negligence and neglect of duty resulting in loss of life. Testimonies provided conflicting accounts of the events, but ultimately, the jury returned a verdict of not guilty for all defendants.
The sinking of the steamboat CHESAPEAKE and schooner J.F. PORTER on Lake Erie remains a tragic chapter in maritime history. The collision served as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by vessels navigating the Great Lakes and the importance of maintaining proper navigational protocols. The loss of lives and the subsequent legal proceedings underscored the need for accountability and safety measures in the maritime industry. Today, the memory of this devastating event serves as a solemn reminder of the risks inherent in maritime travel and the resilience of those who faced its aftermath.
