Identification & Site Information #
Vessel Type Description #
The Oxford was a scow schooner, a type of flat-bottomed vessel often used in shallow waters for transporting cargo. Built in 1847, this wooden ship was relatively small and modest, designed for practicality rather than speed or long-distance travel. With two masts and a single deck, the Oxford was equipped to carry goods such as staves across the Great Lakes, playing a role in the bustling maritime trade of the time.
History #
The Oxford had a brief yet active career on the Great Lakes before meeting its tragic end. Below is a chronological overview of its operational history:
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1847: The Oxford was constructed in Ohio City, Ohio. It was initially owned by R. Johnson and other associates from Ohio City. The vessel was enrolled in Cleveland, Ohio, marking the beginning of its service on the Great Lakes.
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1848: The Oxford operated out of Point Clinton, Ohio, continuing its cargo transport operations. It was engaged primarily in carrying staves, a common commodity for schooners of its type.
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1849: The vessel saw a couple of ownership changes within the same year. On May 14, 1849, C.C. Butts of Cleveland acquired the Oxford. A few months later, on July 14, 1849, ownership transferred to L.M. Brown, also of Cleveland.
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October 23, 1849: The Oxford met its final fate while sailing approximately 8 miles offshore from Sturgeon Point, New York, in Lake Erie. The schooner sank under circumstances that remain unknown. Fortunately, the crew managed to escape safely, though the vessel and its cargo of staves were lost to the depths of Lake Erie.
Final Disposition #
- Date of Loss: October 23, 1849
- Cause of Loss: Unknown (Sank in Lake Erie)
- Crew: All crew members survived
- Final Cargo: Staves
Tags #
- Shipwreck
- Brig
- Scow Schooner
- Lake Erie
- 19th Century Vessel
- Maritime History
- Great Lakes Shipwreck
- Oxford
- Tiller Wreck
Conclusion #
The Oxford, though only operational for a few short years, played a role in the vibrant maritime trade of the Great Lakes during the mid-19th century. Its loss in October 1849, like many shipwrecks of the era, underscores the dangers and unpredictability faced by those who navigated these vast inland seas. The sinking of the Oxford is a somber reminder of the fragility of wooden vessels amidst the challenging conditions of the Great Lakes, leaving behind a legacy as part of the rich tapestry of the region’s maritime history.
