CHARLES B. HILL

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IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #

Name: CHARLES B. HILL
Official Number: Not Available
Type: Wooden Passenger and Package Freighter
Built: Date not specified
Dimensions: Approximately 252 feet in length
Coordinates:
- Latitude: 41° 50′ 27.3012″ N
- Longitude: -81° 3′ 4.86″ W
Location: Approximately one-half mile off Madison, Ohio, Lake Erie
Depth: 18 feet (5.5 meters)
Lies: Not specified

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #

The CHARLES B. HILL was a wooden freighter designed to transport both passengers and cargo across the Great Lakes. Such vessels were crucial during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, providing essential services in an era when waterways were the most efficient means of regional transport.

HISTORY: #

The CHARLES B. HILL met its end in 1906 when it ran aground during a severe storm on Lake Erie. The ship had sprung a leak, and despite attempts to manage the emergency, the vessel was driven ashore near Madison, Ohio. This incident highlights the challenges faced by freighters operating in the unpredictable weather conditions of the Great Lakes.

FINAL DISPOSITION: #

The CHARLES B. HILL grounded near Madison, Ohio, and the wreck now lies in 18 feet of water. While the vessel was significant in size and played a vital role in Great Lakes shipping, its story ended in tragedy, and it has since become a site of interest for divers exploring the region.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the wreck of the CHARLES B. HILL. However, the wreck’s shallow depth makes it an accessible dive site for those interested in Great Lakes shipwrecks.

LOCATED BY & DATE: #

The wreck’s coordinates were identified at approximately one-half mile off Madison, Ohio, though the specific date of discovery is not documented.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY: #

The wreck lies in shallow water at a depth of 18 feet, making it accessible to novice divers. The CHARLES B. HILL’s remains are relatively intact, providing a unique glimpse into early 20th-century Great Lakes shipping.

RESOURCES & LINKS: #

Tags: #

#GreatLakesShipwrecks
#LakeErie
#WoodenFreighter
#MaritimeHistory
#ShipwreckResearch
#DivingSites

Conclusion: #

The CHARLES B. HILL’s grounding in 1906 marks the end of a significant vessel on Lake Erie. Despite the tragedy, the wreck site now serves as a point of interest for divers and historians alike, offering insights into the maritime history of the Great Lakes. Its shallow resting place allows for easy exploration, making it an ideal location for those interested in the underwater remnants of Great Lakes freighters.