COLONEL COOK U4366

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IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

Wreck Name: COLONEL COOK (formerly AUGUSTA)
Type: Schooner-Barge
Date of Incident: July 15, 1891
Location: Near Lorain, Ohio, Lake Erie
Coordinates: 41° 30.540′ N, 82° 02.527′ W
Depth: 20 feet (6 meters)
Condition: Wreckage scattered near shore, with significant damage likely due to age and exposure to elements

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #

The COLONEL COOK, originally named AUGUSTA, was a wooden schooner-barge built in 1855 by J. A. Baker (J Navagh, master carpenter) in Oswego, New York. The vessel was designed with two masts and primarily served as a cargo carrier on the Great Lakes. It measured 129 feet in length, 25 feet in beam, and 11 feet in depth, with a gross tonnage of 266 tons and a net tonnage of 253 tons.

The vessel underwent a name change in 1861, becoming the COLONEL COOK after being involved in the tragic Lady Elgin disaster in 1860. The vessel was known for its robust design and ability to carry large cargoes, such as stone, across the Great Lakes.

HISTORY #

Launched in 1855 as AUGUSTA, the vessel quickly became an essential part of the Great Lakes shipping industry. However, its early history was marred by a tragic incident in 1860 when it rammed and sank the steamer Lady Elgin. The collision resulted in significant loss of life, and although AUGUSTA was absolved of blame, the negative sentiment surrounding the vessel led to its renaming as COLONEL COOK in 1861.

The COLONEL COOK continued to operate on the Great Lakes, facing several significant incidents, including:

July 1888: The vessel encountered heavy damage and sinking, resulting in a total loss and the death of its master, Captain Ed Henderson.
October 1892: The COLONEL COOK went ashore near Cleveland and remained stranded until June of the following year.
July 15, 1891: The vessel was abandoned in a storm while outbound from Kelley’s Island, carrying a load of stone. It sank near Marblehead, Lake Erie, and was declared a total loss.

Despite these challenges, the vessel continued to operate until its final sinking in 1891. At the time of its loss, the COLONEL COOK was valued at $3,000 and was owned by J. A. and L. P. Smith of Cleveland.

FINAL DISPOSITION #

The COLONEL COOK was declared a total loss after sinking in a storm on July 15, 1891. The vessel was abandoned by its crew and subsequently sank, with its wreckage washing ashore near Marblehead, Lake Erie. The wreck now lies in shallow water near Lorain, Ohio, with debris scattered across the lakebed.

The site remains a significant historical artifact, representing the challenges faced by Great Lakes mariners during the late 19th century.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #

No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to this wreck site have been issued. However, mariners and divers should be cautious when navigating the area, as the wreckage may pose hazards in shallow water.

LOCATED BY & DATE #

The wreck of the COLONEL COOK was reported shortly after its sinking in 1891. The site has been documented in historical records, and its coordinates are known to local divers and maritime historians.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #

The wreck of the COLONEL COOK lies in 20 feet of water, making it accessible to divers. The site consists of scattered debris and remains of the vessel, with significant deterioration likely due to its age and exposure to the elements. Despite this, the wreck remains an important piece of maritime history, offering insights into the challenges of navigating the Great Lakes during the 19th century.

RESOURCES & LINKS #

Primary Sources: Historical records, maritime logs, and newspaper archives.
Further Reading:

CONCLUSION #

The COLONEL COOK, originally known as the AUGUSTA, had a long and storied history on the Great Lakes. Its involvement in the Lady Elgin disaster and subsequent name change marked the beginning of a series of challenges, including several significant incidents and eventual loss in 1891. The wreck now lies near Lorain, Ohio, serving as a reminder of the perils faced by vessels navigating the Great Lakes and the resilience of those who operated them.