CITY OF CONCORD U5538

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IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

Wreck Name: CITY OF CONCORD
Type: Wooden Propeller Steamship
Date of Incident: September 29, 1906
Location: Near Huron, Ohio, Lake Erie
Coordinates: 41° 32.728′ N, 82° 32.811′ W
Depth: 45 feet (15 meters)
Condition: Wreck lies in moderate depth, likely in a state of deterioration due to age and exposure

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #

The CITY OF CONCORD was a wooden propeller steamship built in 1868 by LaFrinier & Drake in Cleveland, Ohio. Originally serving as a passenger steamer, the vessel measured 135 feet in length, 26 feet in width, and 11 feet in depth, with a gross tonnage of 386 tons. In 1881, the ship underwent a significant conversion from a passenger steamer to a bulk freighter, enabling it to transport lumber and other bulk cargoes on the Great Lakes.

HISTORY #

Launched in 1868, the CITY OF CONCORD was initially operated by the Northern Transit Co. as a passenger steamer. The vessel served various routes on the Great Lakes, contributing to the transportation of passengers and goods during the late 19th century. In 1881, the ship was converted into a bulk freighter, a common practice at the time as the demand for freight transport increased and passenger service declined.

The ship encountered several significant incidents during its operational life. In 1893, the CITY OF CONCORD suffered a severe fire near Toledo, Ohio, which caused substantial damage. Despite this, the vessel was raised, repaired, and returned to service.

On September 29, 1906, the CITY OF CONCORD faced its final challenge. While navigating upbound near Point Pelee in Lake Erie, the vessel was caught in a severe storm. The storm caused the ship to spring a leak, and despite the crew’s best efforts, the situation quickly deteriorated. The ship’s fires were extinguished, leaving it powerless to operate the pumps necessary to counter the flooding. The CITY OF CONCORD eventually succumbed to the storm and sank.

Despite the overwhelming circumstances, the crew managed to escape in a tiny yawlboat, reaching shore with only one oar. Unfortunately, two crew members lost their lives during the ordeal, while the rest of the survivors endured a harrowing journey to safety.

FINAL DISPOSITION #

The CITY OF CONCORD sank on September 29, 1906, near Point Pelee, and now rests at the bottom of Lake Erie near Huron, Ohio. The wreck lies at a depth of 45 feet (15 meters), where it continues to be a site of interest for divers and maritime historians. The condition of the wreck is likely deteriorated due to the passage of time and the effects of the lake’s environment.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #

No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are specifically related to this wreck site. However, mariners and divers should be aware of the wreck’s location and exercise caution when navigating or diving in the area.

LOCATED BY & DATE #

The wreck of the CITY OF CONCORD was reported following its sinking in 1906. The site is known to local maritime historians and is accessible to divers interested in exploring historic shipwrecks in Lake Erie.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #

The wreck lies in 45 feet of water, making it accessible to experienced divers. Given the age of the wreck and its wooden construction, it is likely in a state of decay, with structural elements possibly collapsed or buried in sediment. Despite this, the site offers a unique opportunity to explore a piece of Great Lakes maritime history.

RESOURCES & LINKS #

Primary Sources: Historical records, maritime logs, and reports from local newspapers.
Further Reading:

CONCLUSION #

The sinking of the CITY OF CONCORD on September 29, 1906, is a tragic chapter in the history of Great Lakes maritime transportation. The vessel’s transformation from a passenger steamer to a bulk freighter reflects the evolving needs of the shipping industry during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The shipwreck serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by those who sailed the Great Lakes and the challenges of navigating these often treacherous waters.