IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION: #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The CHARTER OAK was initially launched as a schooner, a common type of sailing vessel on the Great Lakes, valued for its speed and cargo capacity. In 1848, just a year after her construction, the vessel was converted into a propeller ship, a significant technological upgrade that allowed for more reliable and efficient propulsion regardless of wind conditions. This conversion, possibly undertaken in Detroit, reflected the growing trend of steam-powered ships on the Great Lakes, which were increasingly favored for their ability to maintain schedules and carry larger loads.
HISTORY #
The CHARTER OAK was built in 1847 by Bidwell & Banta in Buffalo, New York. Originally designed as a schooner, she was converted into a propeller ship in 1848 to take advantage of the growing demand for steam-powered vessels on the Great Lakes. The CHARTER OAK’s dimensions and tonnage made her well-suited for the transportation of general cargo, including staves, which were commonly shipped across the lakes during this period.
On October 28, 1855, the CHARTER OAK encountered a severe storm near Elk Creek, Pennsylvania, while carrying a cargo of staves. The storm proved too powerful for the vessel, causing her to run ashore and ultimately leading to her destruction. The ship was wrecked off the coast of Girard, Pennsylvania, with the stern deeply sunken and the bow protruding about 20 feet out of the water. Despite the vessel’s relatively close proximity to shore, all 10 crew members on board tragically lost their lives. The property loss from the sinking was estimated at $10,000, a significant amount at the time.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The wreck of the CHARTER OAK was discovered approximately eight miles from Elk Creek, with the stern deeply sunken and the bow remaining visible above water. No bodies were recovered after the disaster, highlighting the tragic nature of the incident. The ship’s final resting place near Girard, Pennsylvania, became a somber reminder of the dangers faced by mariners on the Great Lakes.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
There are no currently active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the wreck site of the CHARTER OAK. Given the age and condition of the wreck, it is likely that the remains have either been buried by sediment or deteriorated over time.
LOCATED BY & DATE: #
The wreck was identified shortly after the ship’s loss in 1855, with the remains found approximately eight miles from Elk Creek, Pennsylvania, in Lake Erie. Specific GPS coordinates or detailed modern survey data are not available, though the wreck’s general location is known.
RESOURCES & LINKS: #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Great Lakes Ships
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- History of the Great Lakes Vol 1
- Great Lakes Marine History
- Historical Newspapers Archive – Search for contemporary reports on the CHARTER OAK’s wreck and related events.
CONCLUSION #
The loss of the CHARTER OAK highlights the perils of maritime travel on the Great Lakes during the mid-19th century. Built as a schooner and later converted to a propeller ship, the CHARTER OAK was a versatile vessel that served the bustling trade routes of the Great Lakes. Her tragic end during a storm in 1855, resulting in the loss of all hands on board, serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by those who navigated these inland seas. Though the CHARTER OAK now lies at the bottom of Lake Erie, her story continues to resonate as a symbol of the challenges and risks of early Great Lakes shipping.
Keywords:
Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Maritime History, Propeller Ships, Lake Erie, 19th Century Shipping, Shipwreck Resilience, Buffalo NY, Girard PA, Bidwell & Banta, Storm Wrecks
