ALBION (1848)

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IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #

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Wreck Name: ALBION
Type: Wooden Schooner
Date of Incident: October 8, 1858
Location: Lake Erie, approximately 12 miles north by east of Erie, Pennsylvania
Coordinates: Not specifically documented
Depth: Approximately 75 feet (23 meters)
Condition: The wreck was discovered with its topmasts just below the surface, sails still set. The vessel is largely intact but submerged, with potential deterioration due to the age and exposure to underwater conditions.

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #

The ALBION was a wooden schooner built in 1848 by Doolittle and Mollison in Oswego, New York. Measuring 115 feet in length, with a beam of 21 feet and a depth of 9 feet, the schooner had a tonnage of 215 tons. Schooners like the ALBION were integral to the cargo transport industry on the Great Lakes, frequently carrying goods such as wheat, coal, and other bulk materials across the expansive freshwater system.

HISTORY #

The ALBION was launched in 1848, joining the fleet of schooners plying the waters of the Great Lakes. Throughout its decade-long service, the ALBION transported various cargoes, primarily bulk goods like wheat.

April 1849: The ALBION ran aground near Port Dalhousie on Lake Ontario. The vessel was refloated without significant damage.
June 23, 1854: The schooner ran aground again, this time at East Sister Island in Lake Erie. The crew managed to save the vessel from severe damage.
Late November 1855: The ALBION went ashore at Oak Orchard, New York, but was successfully recovered and returned to service.

Despite these incidents, the ALBION continued to operate until its final voyage in October 1858. During a severe storm on Lake Erie, the schooner was lost approximately 12 miles north by east of Erie, Pennsylvania. Tragically, all eight crew members on board perished in the storm. The wreck was discovered on October 14, 1858, by fishermen who found the schooner’s topmasts just below the surface, with the sails still set, indicating the sudden and catastrophic nature of the sinking.

FINAL DISPOSITION #

The ALBION lies at the bottom of Lake Erie in approximately 75 feet of water. The wreck is largely intact, with significant parts of the schooner, including the topmasts and sails, preserved. The site is a poignant reminder of the perils faced by sailors on the Great Lakes during the 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 ALBION was discovered on October 14, 1858, by local fishermen. The discovery was reported in several newspapers of the time, which detailed the condition of the wreck and the tragic loss of the crew.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #

The ALBION wreck lies in 75 feet of water, making it accessible to experienced divers. The site features the intact hull, topmasts, and set sails, offering a glimpse into the past and the vessel’s final moments. However, the age of the wreck means that caution should be exercised during dives, as the structure may be fragile.

RESOURCES & LINKS #

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

CONCLUSION #

The ALBION schooner serves as a testament to the dangers faced by early mariners on the Great Lakes. Despite its successful service over a decade, the vessel’s tragic end in 1858 highlights the unpredictable and often treacherous nature of these inland seas. The wreck remains a significant historical site, offering insights into 19th-century shipbuilding and the harsh realities of Great Lakes navigation.