IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Indiana was a wooden barque, a type of sailing vessel with three or more masts, typically square-rigged on all but the aftermost mast. Barques were commonly used in the 19th century for long voyages due to their relatively simple rigging and efficient use of sails.
- Length: Exact dimensions not specified, typical barque length ranged from 100 to 200 feet.
- Beam: Approximately 30 feet (9 meters), based on similar vessels of the period.
- Depth: Estimated around 10 feet (3 meters) in hold.
- Construction: Wooden hull, reinforced for heavy cargo.
- Cargo: Paving stones and flagging stones, intended for construction in downtown Cleveland.
HISTORY #
The Indiana was a working vessel engaged in the transport of heavy construction materials across the Great Lakes, a common trade during the period of rapid urban expansion in cities like Cleveland. In late September 1870, the Indianaset sail from Buffalo with a load of paving stones and flagging, bound for Cleveland. As the vessel journeyed westward, it encountered increasingly severe weather, prompting Captain McAdams to seek shelter at Port Maitland on the Grand River. Unable to find refuge there, the ship continued toward Long Point.
During this leg of the trip, the Indiana began to leak, and despite the crew’s best efforts, the pumps could not keep up with the incoming water. The situation worsened when a squall struck, pushing the ship further into the lake under heavy northeasterly winds. The heavy stone cargo compounded the ship’s difficulties, making emergency repairs impractical.
Realizing that the Indiana was beyond saving, Captain McAdams decided to abandon the ship and head for Erie. The crew took to the lifeboat and safely made it to shore. Meanwhile, the Indiana drifted with the wind until it eventually sank under the weight of its stone cargo around midnight.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The Indiana sank approximately 12 miles off the coast of Erie, becoming a notable wreck site known as “The Stone Wreck” due to the massive amount of stone it was carrying. The heavy cargo, which contributed to the ship’s quick sinking, now forms a significant part of the wreckage on the lake bed. The wreck has since become a popular site for divers exploring Erie’s underwater heritage.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) directly associated with the Indiana wreck. However, divers are advised to exercise caution due to the site’s condition, particularly the unstable nature of the wreckage and the heavy stone cargo that remains.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
The Indiana was located relatively soon after its sinking, with its position known to local mariners and divers. However, detailed exploration and documentation of the site have occurred more recently, as diving technology has advanced and interest in Great Lakes shipwrecks has grown.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
Primary Sources:
- Local newspaper archives such as the Erie Gazette and the Buffalo Commercial Advertiser provide accounts of the ship’s final voyage and the circumstances of its sinking.
- The David Swayze Shipwreck File offers details about the ship’s construction, ownership, and final journey.
Further Reading and Online Resources:
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Great Lakes Ships
- Divers’ forums and local Erie diving clubs frequently discuss the Indiana wreck, providing firsthand accounts and dive reports.
CONCLUSION #
The Indiana, or “The Stone Wreck,” serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by mariners on the Great Lakes. Its story, from a routine transport mission to a desperate struggle against the elements, is emblematic of the many ships that met their end in these unpredictable waters. Today, the wreck continues to draw interest from divers and historians alike, offering a tangible connection to the maritime history of the region.
KEYWORDS #
#GreatLakes #Shipwrecks #LakeErie #MaritimeHistory #Barque #StoneWreck #Indiana #DivingSites #EriePA #19thCenturyShipping #SailingVessels #UnderwaterExploration
