Construction and Early History
The schooner originally known as the Glenbulah was constructed in 1867 by Stoakes & Locklin in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. As a wooden three-masted vessel, the Glenbulah was built for the rigorous demands of Great Lakes shipping, contributing to the bustling maritime trade of the time. The schooner measured 158 feet in length, 31 feet in beam, and 14 feet in depth, with a gross tonnage of 514 tons and a net tonnage of 489 tons.
The Glenbulah had a significant and unfortunate role in the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. During this catastrophic event, the schooner was largely destroyed by the flames. However, instead of being abandoned, the vessel was rebuilt in 1873 using what remained of its hull. This reconstruction marked the birth of the Charles H. Burton, a new schooner that carried the legacy of the Glenbulah forward under a new name.
The Rebirth as Charles H. Burton
Rebuilt from the remains of the Glenbulah, the Charles H. Burton was again launched as a three-masted wooden schooner. The vessel maintained the same dimensions and tonnage as its predecessor, now under the ownership of the Burton Bros. of Erie, Pennsylvania. The rebuilt schooner continued to serve the Great Lakes, carrying various cargoes and contributing to the region’s commerce.
Throughout its service life, the Charles H. Burton faced numerous challenges, including another significant incident in 1883 when the schooner was wrecked. Despite this, it was salvaged and continued to operate until its final fateful voyage.
Final Voyage and Sinking
On October 10, 1905, the Charles H. Burton was carrying a cargo of coal when it was caught in a severe storm on Lake Erie. The storm proved too powerful for the schooner, and it was driven ashore approximately 4.5 miles east of Barcelona, New York. The vessel broke up upon hitting the shore and foundered, resulting in its complete loss.
Fortunately, there were no fatalities in this incident, as the crew managed to escape the wreck. The Charles H. Burton’s final wreck marked the end of a vessel that had already experienced a dramatic history, from being destroyed in a fire to being rebuilt and ultimately lost to the forces of nature on Lake Erie.
Legacy and Remembrance
The story of the Charles H. Burton, starting as the Glenbulah, is a remarkable tale of resilience and the determination to rebuild and continue despite significant setbacks. The schooner’s transformation from the ashes of the Chicago Fire to its rebirth and final service as the Charles H. Burton illustrates the cyclical nature of maritime life on the Great Lakes during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
The vessel’s final wreck near Barcelona, New York, is a reminder of the treacherous conditions that mariners often faced on the Great Lakes, where sudden storms could bring even the most well-built ships to their end. The loss of the Charles H. Burton adds to the rich tapestry of maritime history in the region, serving as a symbol of the challenges and unpredictability of life on the inland seas.
Resources & Links
Keywords
Charles H. Burton, Glenbulah, schooner, Great Lakes shipwreck, Lake Erie, Sheboygan Wisconsin, Barcelona New York, maritime history, vessel loss, storm wreck, Chicago Fire, shipwreck remembrance.
Ongoing Research & Monitoring
Further research into the Charles H. Burton and its origins as the Glenbulah may reveal more detailed accounts of the vessel’s construction, service, and final moments. Continuous monitoring of maritime history archives and shipwreck databases will ensure that any new information about the Charles H. Burton is integrated into its historical narrative.
