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Identification and Site Information #

Vessel Identification: Speculative Connection to the Steamship ONEIDA #

The unidentified wreck at Long Point, Lake Erie, is speculated to be the remains of the steamship ONEIDA, which tragically sank on November 11, 1852. The ONEIDA was a notable steamship built in 1846 and extensively rebuilt in 1848, serving on the Buffalo and Chicago route. The dimensions of the wreck, alongside historical records, suggest a possible connection between this wreck and the ONEIDA.

Historical Background of ONEIDA #

• Year Built: 1846 (Cleveland, Ohio)
• Rebuilt: 1848
• Dimensions (Post-Rebuild):
  • Length: 166 feet 5 inches
  • Beam (Width): 24 feet 1 inch
  • Depth: 11 feet
  • Gross Tonnage: 428 77/95 tons
• Number of Decks: Three
• Masts: One

Operational History #

The ONEIDA was a steamship designed for passenger service, operating primarily between Buffalo, New York, and Chicago, Illinois. It was well-regarded for its robust construction and played a pivotal role in maritime activities on the Great Lakes during its operational years. The ship was involved in several significant incidents and rescues, showcasing its reliability and the skill of its crew.

Notable Incidents:

• July 1848: ONEIDA successfully towed the sinking schooner CADET into Buffalo and later towed the capsized schooner GALLINIPPER into Beaver Island harbor on Lake Michigan.
• October 1848: Collided with the steamer ARROW on Lake Erie, sustaining damage.
• August 1849: Broke its shaft on Lake Michigan and was towed to Chicago by the propeller OHIO for repairs.
• October 1850: Collided with the steamer ST. LOUIS on Lake Erie.
• December 1851: Lost its rudder and ran ashore at Fairport, Ohio harbor but was eventually repaired.

Ownership Changes:

• Initially owned by various stakeholders in Cleveland, Ohio, including E.T. Sterling.
• By 1852, the ship was owned by Oliver C. Knight, also based in Cleveland.

Final Voyage and Sinking #

• Date of Sinking: November 11, 1852
• Location: Lake Erie, off Long Point, often referred to as the “Graveyard of the Lakes.”
• Cause: The specific details surrounding the sinking are unclear. However, it is believed that the ship encountered severe weather conditions, leading to its capsizing with all hands lost.
• Estimated Casualties: Approximately 20, including the crew and potentially passengers.
• Impact: The sinking of the ONEIDA was a significant loss, emphasizing the dangers of navigation on the Great Lakes during that era.

Speculated Identification of the Wreck #

The unidentified wreck at Long Point bears several similarities to the ONEIDA:

• Dimensions: The wreck’s length closely matches that of the ONEIDA’s post-rebuild dimensions.
• Construction: The arches and structural features observed in the wreck align with the architectural style of steamships like the ONEIDA.
• Location: The wreck’s proximity to Long Point, where the ONEIDA was last reported, strengthens the hypothesis that this could be the same vessel.

Conclusion #

While the exact identification of the wreck at Long Point remains speculative, there is compelling evidence to suggest it could be the remains of the steamship ONEIDA, which tragically sank in 1852. The vessel’s history, dimensions, and final voyage align with the characteristics observed in the wreck, making it a strong candidate for this long-lost ship.

This wreck serves as a poignant reminder of the risks faced by early mariners on the Great Lakes and the unpredictable nature of these inland seas. Further exploration and study of the wreck may one day confirm its identity, bringing closure to this chapter of maritime history.

Resources & Links #

1. Maritime History of the Great Lakes

   • Comprehensive resource for historical data and records on Great Lakes shipwrecks.
   • Maritime History of the Great Lakes

2. David Swayze Shipwreck File

   • Extensive database of shipwrecks in the Great Lakes, including the speculative identity of the ONEIDA.
   • Swayze Shipwreck Database

3. NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory

   • Provides environmental data and research relevant to Great Lakes navigation and ship safety.
   • NOAA GLERL

4. Great Lakes Shipwreck Research Foundation

   • Organization dedicated to the exploration and documentation of Great Lakes shipwrecks.
   • Great Lakes Shipwreck Research Foundation

5. Historical Collections of the Great Lakes at Bowling Green State University

   • Archival resource offering photographs and detailed records on Great Lakes shipwrecks.
   • BGSU Historical Collections

6. Wrecksite.eu

   • A global shipwreck database offering detailed information on shipwrecks worldwide, including the Great Lakes.
   • Wrecksite

7. National Museum of the Great Lakes

   • Museum dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history of the Great Lakes, including shipwrecks.
   • National Museum of the Great Lakes

8. Erie County Historical Society

   • Provides insights and historical records on maritime history and shipwrecks in the Lake Erie region.
   • Erie County Historical Society

9. Shipwreck Hunters

   • Information on ongoing and past shipwreck searches and discoveries in the Great Lakes.
   • Shipwreck Hunters

10. YouTube Channels

    • Channels featuring documentaries and dive videos exploring Great Lakes shipwrecks.
    • Maritime History of the Great Lakes Channel

11. Digital Archives of the Great Lakes

    • Digital collections of historical documents, ship registries, and maritime records.
    • Digital Archives of the Great Lakes

These resources offer a comprehensive understanding of the wreck’s historical context, maritime significance, and potential identification as the steamship ONEIDA. They also provide avenues for further exploration and research into the fascinating world of Great Lakes shipwrecks.

Tags #

• Tags: Steamship ONEIDA, Lake Erie Shipwrecks, Great Lakes Maritime History, Unidentified Wrecks, Long Point Shipwreck, 19th Century Shipwrecks, Great Lakes Disasters, Maritime Archaeology, Great Lakes Shipwreck Exploration.

Conclusion #

The discovery of an unidentified hull near Long Point, Lake Erie, has sparked significant interest in the maritime history community, particularly due to the compelling possibility that this wreck could be the steamship ONEIDA, lost in 1852. The ONEIDA, a vessel with a storied past and numerous incidents during its operational years, represents a critical chapter in the history of Great Lakes navigation. The ship’s unfortunate sinking, with all hands lost, adds a layer of tragedy to its legacy, making the potential identification of this wreck all the more poignant.

While definitive proof is still required to confirm the wreck’s identity as the ONEIDA, the alignment of historical records, the dimensions of the wreck, and the location of the sinking all point toward a likely connection. This wreck not only serves as a possible final resting place for the ONEIDA but also stands as a reminder of the harsh realities faced by mariners on the Great Lakes.

The ongoing interest in and study of this wreck highlight the enduring fascination with Great Lakes shipwrecks, and the story of the ONEIDA serves as a somber reminder of the dangers of maritime travel in the 19th century. Future explorations and technological advancements may one day conclusively identify this wreck, bringing closure to a mystery that has persisted for over a century and a half.

As we continue to explore and uncover the stories hidden beneath the waters of the Great Lakes, each discovery adds to our understanding of the region’s rich maritime heritage. The tale of the ONEIDA, whether ultimately confirmed or not, remains an integral part of that narrative, embodying the resilience, bravery, and tragedy that have shaped the history of the Great Lakes.