1. IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
2. VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The CLEVELAND was a wooden sidewheel steamer built in 1852 by Wolverton in Newport, Michigan. It was a grand vessel of its time, measuring 197 feet (60.1 meters) in length, with a beam of 28 feet (8.5 meters) and a depth of 11 feet (3.4 meters). The steamer was powered by a low-pressure engine constructed by Degraffe & Kendrick of Detroit, featuring a 40-inch (101.6 cm) cylinder and an eleven-foot (3.4 meters) stroke, which allowed the vessel to achieve notable speed across the waters of the Great Lakes. The CLEVELAND was also notable for its luxurious interiors, furnished by Stevens & Zug of Detroit, which added an element of elegance to its voyages.
3. HISTORY #
Launched in 1852, the steamboat CLEVELAND quickly became a symbol of progress and innovation in the Great Lakes shipping industry. Commanded by Captain C.C. Stannard, the vessel was primarily engaged in transporting passengers and goods between Lake Superior and Cleveland. The CLEVELAND was a regular sight on these routes, admired for its speed, capacity, and luxurious accommodations. It played a crucial role in connecting communities and fostering economic ties between regions.
Despite its promise and performance, the CLEVELAND’s service was tragically cut short. On October 28, 1864, while navigating Lake Superior, the vessel encountered a violent storm. The storm drove the CLEVELAND onto a dangerous course near the mouth of the Two-Hearted River in Michigan. Despite the crew’s best efforts, the steamer was overwhelmed by the gale and the treacherous conditions, leading to its destruction.
4. FINAL DISPOSITION #
The CLEVELAND met its fate on October 28, 1864, when it was driven by a storm onto a perilous path near the mouth of the Two-Hearted River, Lake Superior. The steamer was unable to withstand the combined forces of the gale and the waves, and it succumbed to the storm, disappearing beneath the waters. The loss of the CLEVELAND was a significant event, marking the end of a vessel that had symbolized progress and innovation in the Great Lakes shipping industry.
5. NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories specifically related to the wreck of the CLEVELAND. The exact location of the wreck remains unknown, and it has not been located or surveyed.
6. LOCATED BY & DATE #
The wreck of the CLEVELAND has never been located. The vessel disappeared from registration following its loss, and no remnants have been discovered, leaving its exact resting place a mystery.
7. CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #
Since the wreck of the CLEVELAND has not been found, its current condition and accessibility are unknown. Given the circumstances of its loss in a severe storm and its wooden construction, it is likely that any remains are heavily deteriorated and possibly buried under sediment or scattered by the elements.
8. RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Website
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: Website
- Bowling Green State University: Website
- Great Lakes Ships: Website
- National Park Service: Website
9. ADDITIONAL NOTES #
The story of the CLEVELAND is a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by mariners during the mid-19th century. While the vessel represented the height of innovation and luxury at the time, its loss underscores the unpredictability and danger of navigating the Great Lakes, particularly during the fall storm season. The disappearance of the CLEVELAND from registration marks the end of a chapter in the history of Great Lakes shipping, leaving behind a legacy of ambition and tragedy.
10. DIVING NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS #
Due to the lack of specific location information and the presumed condition of the wreck, diving is not possible. The steamboat’s resting place remains one of the many unsolved mysteries of Lake Superior, and any potential discovery would require careful documentation and preservation efforts.
TAGS #
- Lake Superior
- 19th Century
- Steamboat
- Maritime History
- Shipwreck
CONCLUSION #
The steamboat CLEVELAND, launched in 1852 and lost in 1864, is a testament to the progress and challenges of mid-19th century Great Lakes shipping. Its tragic end near the Two-Hearted River serves as a reminder of the ever-present risks faced by those who navigated these vast and unpredictable waters. The legacy of the CLEVELAND lives on in the annals of maritime history, a symbol of both human ambition and the relentless power of nature.
