IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The State of Ohio was a canal boat, a type of vessel specifically designed for navigating the canals and inland waterways. These boats were typically long, narrow, and flat-bottomed, making them well-suited for the shallow waters of canals. Canal boats like the State of Ohio were also used on the Great Lakes, often being towed by tugs for longer voyages.
HISTORY #
The State of Ohio was part of a fleet of seven boats being towed by the tug Tornado on a journey from Kingston, Ontario, to a port, likely Oswego, New York. The boat was carrying a cargo of leached ashes, which were likely a byproduct of a manufacturing or industrial process.
As the fleet neared its destination, approximately 20 miles away, the State of Ohio suddenly sprang a leak. The cause of the leak was not reported, but the situation quickly escalated. Within about 20 minutes, the canal boat submerged and sank, taking its cargo of leached ashes with it.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The State of Ohio sank rapidly after springing a leak, just 20 miles from its destination. The canal boat and its cargo were lost to the waters of Lake Ontario. The quick sinking of the vessel indicates that the leak may have been severe or that the hull was compromised in some way, though the exact cause remains unknown. The Oswego Times did not report any loss of life, suggesting that the crew may have been able to abandon the vessel before it fully submerged.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SITE #
The sinking of the State of Ohio highlights the risks associated with towing fleets of canal boats on the Great Lakes. While designed for canal navigation, these boats were sometimes used on larger bodies of water, where they could be vulnerable to sudden leaks or structural failures. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by mariners and the unpredictable nature of lake navigation.
FUTURE EXPLORATION AND PRESERVATION #
The exact location of the wreck of the State of Ohio is not specified, and it is unclear if any efforts were made to locate or salvage the vessel. If the wreck were to be found, it could provide insights into the construction and vulnerabilities of canal boats used on the Great Lakes during this period. Preservation of the site would be important for understanding the maritime history of the region and the types of cargoes transported by such vessels.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Oswego Times: The primary source reporting the incident involving the State of Ohio.
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: A resource for additional information on shipwrecks and maritime incidents in the region.
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Preservation Society: An organization focused on the preservation and study of shipwrecks on the Great Lakes.
