IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The CITY OF PAINESVILLE was a wooden bark, a type of three-masted sailing ship that was common in the mid-19th century. Built in 1867 by Bailey Bros. in Fairport, Ohio, the vessel was constructed primarily for cargo transport across the Great Lakes. It had a length of 132 feet, a beam of 34 feet, and a depth of 13 feet, with a gross tonnage of 601 tons. The bark was designed to be a sturdy and reliable workhorse for the transportation of heavy goods such as coal, which it was carrying at the time of its sinking.
HISTORY #
The CITY OF PAINESVILLE was launched in 1867 and served as a significant cargo vessel on the Great Lakes for several years. Owned by W.H. Ingram of Buffalo, New York, the vessel was part of a fleet that transported coal and other bulk goods between various ports.
The bark had a history of incidents throughout its operational life. In November 1869, the vessel was stranded north of Manistee, Michigan, and in 1872, it ran aground near Escanaba, Michigan. Despite these challenges, the CITY OF PAINESVILLE continued to operate, reflecting the rugged and demanding nature of Great Lakes shipping during that era.
On October 18, 1874, the CITY OF PAINESVILLE met its tragic end. The bark was sailing off Ashtabula, Ohio, as a consort to the propeller COLIN CAMPBELL. In heavy winds, the decision was made to let the bark sail independently under its own canvas, as it could make better time without the assistance of the propeller. However, shortly after being released, the CITY OF PAINESVILLE collided with the schooner HALSTEAD. The collision caused significant damage to the bark, and it quickly sank in approximately 70 feet of water.
Fortunately, there were no fatalities in the incident. The crew managed to escape to the HALSTEAD in their lifeboat. The loss of the CITY OF PAINESVILLE and its cargo of coal was significant, totaling an estimated $75,000—a considerable sum at the time. The loss was compounded by the fact that the owner had recently canceled half of the vessel’s insurance, making the financial impact even more severe.
The sinking of the CITY OF PAINESVILLE was reported widely in newspapers, which documented the details of the collision and the successful rescue of the crew. The incident stands as a reminder of the risks faced by those who navigated the often-treacherous waters of the Great Lakes.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The CITY OF PAINESVILLE was declared a total loss following its sinking. The wreck lies on the bottom of Lake Erie, off the coast of Ashtabula, Ohio. The site is largely undisturbed, with the vessel and its cargo of coal resting at a depth of around 70 feet. The wreck has not been extensively explored, making it a potential site of interest for maritime archaeologists and divers.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) currently associated with the wreck site of the CITY OF PAINESVILLE. However, the site is of historical interest, and mariners should be aware of its location when navigating the area, particularly if involved in diving or other underwater exploration activities.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
The exact location of the CITY OF PAINESVILLE wreck has been known since shortly after its sinking in 1874. While it has been documented in historical records, detailed exploration or salvage operations have not been widely reported.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
Primary Sources:
- Historical newspaper archives detailing the incident, including reports from the Buffalo Commercial Advertiser and other regional publications.
- Shipwreck records, including the David Swayze Shipwreck File and Maritime History of the Great Lakes.
Further Reading and Online Resources:
CONCLUSION #
The story of the CITY OF PAINESVILLE is a sobering reminder of the dangers that mariners faced on the Great Lakes in the 19th century. Despite its solid construction and history of service, the vessel met a tragic end due to a collision in rough weather. The loss of the CITY OF PAINESVILLE reflects the inherent risks of Great Lakes shipping during that era, as well as the resilience and courage of the crews who sailed these waters. The wreck remains a poignant symbol of the challenges faced by those who contributed to the region’s maritime history.
KEYWORDS #
#GreatLakes #Shipwrecks #LakeErie #MaritimeHistory #Bark #CITYOFPAINESVILLE #AshtabulaOhio #GreatLakesWrecks #19thCenturyShipping #UnderwaterExploration #Schooner #CoalTransport #ShipCollision
