MORNING STAR

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IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #

Wreck Name: MORNING STAR
Type: Sidewheel Steamer
Date of Incident: August 1, 1868
Location: Near Lorain, Ohio, Lake Erie
Coordinates: 41° 36.813′ N, 82° 12.531′ W
Depth: 65 feet (21 meters)
Condition: Wreck lies in moderate depth; significant deterioration likely due to age and impact of the collision

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #

The MORNING STAR was a sidewheel steamer constructed in 1862 in Trenton, Michigan. The vessel was designed with a wooden hull, a single deck, and two stacks. Powered by a vertical beam engine, the MORNING STAR featured a single cylinder and two firebox boilers. The engine, which originally belonged to another vessel, the Ocean, was installed in the MORNING STAR after being repurposed from its previous service. The sidewheels were 38 feet in diameter, characteristic of steamers from this era.

With dimensions of 243 feet in length, 34 feet in beam, and 13 feet 6 inches in depth, the MORNING STAR had a gross tonnage of 1265.91 tons (based on the 1865 remeasurement). The steamer was capable of transporting both passengers and cargo, which included iron bars, glass, farm equipment, and general merchandise.

HISTORY #

The MORNING STAR was launched in 1862 and quickly became a vital part of the Great Lakes shipping industry. Owned by John Owen and others from Detroit, the steamer was well-known for its sidewheel propulsion system, which was powered by a vertical beam engine originally installed in 1850.

Throughout its operational life, the MORNING STAR encountered numerous incidents, including:

May 1863: The steamer struck an anchor near Malden in the Detroit River, causing damage.
April 1865: The vessel was remeasured, increasing its dimensions and gross tonnage.
Late 1865: The MORNING STAR ran ashore near Oswego, New York, while carrying lumber.
July 1866: A collision with a dock in the Detroit River resulted in damage to the vessel.
November 1866: An attempted arson and machinery failures plagued the vessel.
May 1868: The steamer experienced machinery issues near Cleveland, further complicating its operations.

On June 5, 1868, the MORNING STAR was sold to the Detroit & Cleveland Steam Navigation Co. Unfortunately, this change in ownership did not prevent the vessel’s tragic fate.

FINAL DISPOSITION #

On August 1, 1868, the MORNING STAR was en route from Cleveland, Ohio, to Detroit, Michigan, when it collided with the bark Courland, approximately four miles off Vermilion, Ohio. The collision was catastrophic, causing the steamer to sink quickly. Of the people on board, 32 lost their lives. The survivors were rescued by the steamer R.N. Rice. The cargo, which included iron bars, glass, farm equipment, and general merchandise, was also lost.

The wreck now lies at a depth of 65 feet (21 meters) near Lorain, Ohio. The site is marked by significant deterioration, typical of wooden vessels from the 19th century, and the wreckage may be scattered due to the force of the collision and subsequent impact with the lakebed.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #

No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are specifically related to this wreck site. However, mariners and divers should approach the area with caution due to the depth and potential hazards from debris.

LOCATED BY & DATE #

The wreck of the MORNING STAR was known shortly after its sinking in 1868. The coordinates provided are based on historical records and subsequent searches by divers and maritime historians.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #

The wreck lies in 65 feet of water, making it accessible to experienced divers. The wooden construction of the MORNING STAR, combined with its age and the violent nature of its sinking, likely means that the wreck is in a deteriorated state, with possible collapse and scattering of structural elements. Despite this, the site remains a significant piece of Great Lakes maritime history and is of interest to both historians and divers.

RESOURCES & LINKS #

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

CONCLUSION #

The sinking of the MORNING STAR on August 1, 1868, is a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by those who navigated the Great Lakes during the 19th century. The vessel’s history of accidents and mechanical issues culminated in its tragic end, leaving a legacy marked by loss and resilience. The wreck site, now lying off the coast of Lorain, Ohio, serves as both a historical artifact and a solemn memorial to those who perished.