IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
2. VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The D.L. COUCH was a wooden-hulled schooner built in 1855 in Oswego, New York. Constructed by Walter Scott and master carpenter A. Miller, the vessel was unique as it was built on the bottom of an older vessel, the ACORN. The D.L. COUCH had a single deck and two masts, with a tonnage of 119 tons according to the old measurement style.
The schooner was known for its craftsmanship, being described as a beautiful vessel of 170 tons measurement at the time of its construction. It was primarily used for transporting cargo, such as coal and other goods, across the Great Lakes.
3. HISTORY #
The D.L. COUCH had a varied and eventful history, marked by changes in ownership and a connection to another vessel, the ACORN:
- 1855: The D.L. COUCH was launched in Oswego, New York, owned by John E. Mulford. It made its first trip to Toronto carrying a cargo of plaster and merchandise.
- 1860: Ownership transferred to Gross, Pulver & Co. in Oswego.
- 1866: The vessel was sold to J.C. Maddock in Gananoque, Ontario, and later in 1868, it was owned in New Baltimore, Michigan.
- 1871: The D.L. COUCH became a Canadian vessel under the ownership of James Riley from Detroit.
- July 17, 1872: The schooner foundered in a storm, approximately 10 miles from Long Point, Lake Erie. It was carrying a cargo of coal when it sank to a depth of 120 feet. Two crew members were lost, while the rest were rescued by the schooner CITIZEN.
The vessel’s connection to the ACORN is significant. The D.L. COUCH was built on the bottom of the ACORN, which had been wrecked near Oswego. The ACORN was described as an old and unseaworthy vessel, and it was eventually deemed a total wreck.
4. FINAL DISPOSITION #
The D.L. COUCH now lies at a depth of 120 feet in Lake Erie. The wreck is a historical artifact, representing both the D.L. COUCH and the ACORN, and provides insight into the shipbuilding practices of the time, including the reuse of parts from older vessels.
5. NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to this wreck site have been issued. However, due to the depth of the wreck and its historical significance, it is advised that divers approach the site with caution and respect.
6. LOCATED BY & DATE #
The wreck of the D.L. COUCH was documented in historical records following its sinking in 1872. The exact coordinates are not provided, but the location is approximately 10 miles from Long Point, Lake Erie.
7. CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #
The wreck lies at a significant depth of 120 feet, making it accessible only to experienced deep-water divers. The condition of the wreck may vary, with potential for deterioration due to the age and exposure to the elements. The site offers a unique opportunity to explore a vessel with a dual identity, as both the D.L. COUCH and the ACORN.
8. RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Primary Sources: Historical records, maritime logs, and shipwreck databases.
- Further Reading:
- Great Lakes Ships – D.L. COUCH & ACORN
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- David Swayze Shipwreck File – ACORN/D.L. COUCH
- History of the Great Lakes
- Kenneth R Pott – Masters Thesis
9. CONCLUSION #
The D.L. COUCH, originally known as the ACORN, holds a unique place in maritime history. Built on the remains of an older vessel, the ACORN, the D.L. COUCH had a storied career on the Great Lakes before meeting its end in a storm in 1872. The wreck now lies in the depths of Lake Erie, offering a rare glimpse into the practices of 19th-century shipbuilding and the challenges faced by schooners on the Great Lakes.
10. TAGS #
- Tags: #GreatLakes #Shipwrecks #LakeErie #MaritimeHistory #Schooner #DLCouch #Acorn #HistoricalShipwreck #UnderwaterExploration
