Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Agnes Barton
- Type: Two-Masted Wooden Schooner
- Year Built: 1835
- Builder: Buffalo, New York
- Dimensions: Length: 92 ft (28 m); Beam: 23 ft; Depth of hold: 8 ft
- Registered Tonnage: 155 tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 10 m / 30 ft
- Location: Off the coast between Conneaut, Ohio, and Erie, Pennsylvania
- Coordinates: N42.08475, W-80.653648
- Number of Masts: 2
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Agnes Barton was a two-masted schooner typical of the mid-19th century. Wooden schooners like the Agnes Barton were essential for transporting goods across the Great Lakes, capitalizing on their speed and maneuverability in often challenging waters. The vessel was a sturdy workhorse, its rebuild in 1842 extending its operational life and increasing its capacity, reflecting the high demand for durable cargo vessels during this era.
Description
Built in 1835 in Buffalo, New York, the Agnes Barton started as a 73-foot, 110-ton schooner. It underwent significant modifications in 1842, increasing its length to 92 feet and tonnage to 155 tons. These changes allowed it to handle larger cargoes and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving shipping market.
The schooner served a range of owners and transported various cargoes, including coal, a common commodity in the industrializing Great Lakes region. By the mid-1850s, the Agnes Barton was nearing the end of its serviceable life. Despite this, it remained active, carrying out critical trade routes between major ports such as Cleveland and Buffalo.
History
On August 8, 1855, the Agnes Barton, laden with coal, encountered a severe storm while traveling from Cleveland to Buffalo. The aging schooner could not withstand the extreme conditions and began taking on water. Despite the crew’s efforts to save it, the vessel foundered and sank in about 30 feet of water near Conneaut Light. Remarkably, no lives were lost, but the schooner was declared a total loss.
Significant Incidents
- Loss Incident: The Agnes Barton sank on August 8, 1855, during a severe storm while transporting coal.
Final Disposition
The wreck site, lying at a modest depth and distance from major shipping routes, poses no current navigational hazard. The site may offer opportunities for exploration, though the exact condition of the wreck remains unverified.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The Agnes Barton wreck is located approximately 1.5 miles offshore and 1.5 miles from Conneaut Light. The condition of the wreck is currently unverified, but it is noted that it lies at a depth of about 30 feet.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”agnes-barton-1853″ title=”References & Links”]
The Agnes Barton exemplifies the vital role schooners played in 19th-century maritime commerce on the Great Lakes. As an aging vessel, its ultimate loss highlights the inherent risks of navigating these waters, particularly in severe weather conditions. The wreck, though modest in size and historical fame, contributes to the broader narrative of Great Lakes shipping and serves as a silent witness to the challenges faced by early mariners.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
Join Shotline to read more →