The CITY OF CLEVELAND, originally built as a sidewheeler in 1857 by Bidwell & Banta in Buffalo, New York, underwent a significant transformation in its maritime history. Initially operating as a steamer, it later met with misfortune in November 1864 when it was wrecked near the mouth of the Two Hearted River in Lake Superior, Michigan. Although declared a total loss, the vessel was recovered and converted into a barge in 1866.
Under the ownership of Daniels & McNelly of Detroit, the CITY OF CLEVELAND set sail once again, this time as a wooden barge. On October 31, 1868, tragedy struck when the barge, along with three other barges, was en route to Saginaw in tow of the tug WINSLOW. In the face of a fierce gale, the CITY OF CLEVELAND became separated from the convoy and was driven ashore between Madison and Conneaut, Ohio, on Lake Erie. Abandoned by its crew, the barge met its final fate, succumbing to the forces of nature and becoming a total loss. Lumber constituted its cargo at the time of the accident.
It’s worth noting that some sources erroneously associate a wreck near the Two Hearted River in 1864 with a different vessel named CLEVELAND, built in 1852 in Newport. However, it is clarified that the wreck in question pertained to the CITY OF CLEVELAND, originally constructed in 1857.
The CITY OF CLEVELAND, with its dynamic history and transition from a steamer to a barge, met its demise on Lake Erie, serving as a reminder of the challenges and dangers faced by vessels navigating the Great Lakes in the 19th century.
