Identification and Site Information
The Black Rover was constructed in 1855 at Black River, Ohio, by the shipbuilders Lumm & Lyon. As a scow-schooner, the vessel featured a flat-bottomed design that was particularly well-suited for carrying heavy cargoes, such as timber and other bulk goods, across the shallow and often turbulent waters of the Great Lakes. Measuring 81 feet in length, with a beam of 22 feet and a depth of 5 feet, the Black Rover was a robust vessel, capable of handling the demands of 19th-century maritime trade on the Great Lakes. With a tonnage of 79, it was a modest-sized ship, but one that played a crucial role in the regional economy.
The Storm Strikes
On November 29, 1867, the Black Rover set sail from Black River, Ohio, bound for Cleveland with a valuable cargo of wood. The journey across Lake Erie, though routine, took a deadly turn as a powerful storm descended upon the lake. As the vessel approached the entrance to Cleveland Harbor, it was met with fierce winds and towering waves. The storm’s sudden and violent onset left the crew with little time to react, and the Black Rover struggled to maintain its course amidst the chaos.
Despite the crew’s best efforts, the Black Rover was overwhelmed by the storm’s intensity. The vessel was driven ashore near the Water Works in Cleveland, where it ultimately broke apart under the relentless pounding of the waves. The ship’s sturdy wooden structure was no match for the ferocity of the storm, which tore it apart, scattering its cargo and leaving the remnants of the once-proud schooner to the mercy of the lake.
The Tragic Outcome
In the aftermath of the storm, the scene was one of devastation. The crew, fighting for their lives, attempted to reach the safety of the shore. Most of the crew members managed to survive, but tragically, one sailor lost his life in the struggle. The loss of life, combined with the destruction of the vessel, marked the end of the Black Rover’s service on the Great Lakes. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers faced by those who navigated these waters, where sudden storms could turn routine voyages into life-or-death struggles.
Legacy and Remembrance
The wreck of the Black Rover near Cleveland in 1867 left a lasting impact on the maritime community. The loss of the vessel and the death of a crew member underscored the ever-present risks of maritime trade on the Great Lakes, where vessels and their crews were constantly at the mercy of unpredictable weather. The Black Rover’s story, preserved in historical records, serves as a testament to the bravery and resilience of the sailors who ventured out onto the Great Lakes, risking their lives in pursuit of commerce and livelihood.
The Black Rover’s tale is a poignant chapter in the rich maritime history of the Great Lakes, illustrating the challenges faced by those who depended on these waters for their livelihood. As we remember the Black Rover and its crew, we honor their courage and the sacrifices they made in the face of overwhelming natural forces.
Resources & Links
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Great Lakes Ships Database
- Alchemy Inc.
Keywords
Black Rover, scow-schooner, Great Lakes shipwreck, Lake Erie, Cleveland, maritime history, vessel loss, storm wreck, Water Works, 19th-century shipping, shipwreck remembrance.
