Ashland (1844)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Ashland
• Type: Two-masted wooden brig
• Year Built: 1844
• Builder: D. Sanford, Cleveland, Ohio
• Dimensions: Length: 104 ft (31.7 m); Beam: 24 ft (7.3 m); Depth: 9 ft (2.7 m)
• Registered Tonnage: 201 tons
• Location: Pigeon Bay, Lake Erie
• Original Owners: Bronson & Crockett of Detroit
• Number of Masts: Two

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Ashland was a two-masted wooden brig, a type of vessel commonly used for cargo transport on the Great Lakes during the 19th century.

Description

The Ashland was a versatile wooden brig that served for over four decades on the Great Lakes. Its robust construction and size were well-suited for transporting heavy cargoes such as grain and railroad iron. It played an active role in the burgeoning trade of the Great Lakes during the mid-19th century.

History

Built in 1844 by D. Sanford in Cleveland, Ohio, the Ashland was owned by Bronson & Crockett of Detroit, reflecting its central role in Michigan’s shipping industry. The brig was involved in various incidents throughout its service, showcasing both its durability and the challenges faced by vessels of its time.

Significant Incidents

• March 1849: Damage from a spring freshet in Chicago. The brig suffered an estimated $1,500 in damages, which was substantial at the time. Despite the damage, the Ashland fared better than other vessels caught in the same event.
• February 28, 1855: Grounding near Point au Pelee, Lake Erie. While carrying a cargo of railroad iron en route from Kingston to Toledo, the brig ran aground. A tug and lighter were dispatched to aid in its recovery, and the vessel was successfully salvaged.
• December 12, 1885: Final wreck in Pigeon Bay, Lake Erie. The brig ran aground on a rock, breaching its hull while carrying corn from Toledo to Detroit. Fortunately, there were no casualties, but the damage rendered the vessel a total loss.

Final Disposition

The Ashland was lost on December 12, 1885, after running aground in Pigeon Bay, located 20 miles below the mouth of the Detroit River on Lake Erie. The breach in the hull caused the vessel to strand irreparably. Its cargo of corn and the ship were written off as total losses.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The Ashland is a classic example of the sturdy wooden brigs that played a vital role in 19th-century Great Lakes shipping. Its ability to survive several incidents over its four-decade career highlights its importance and resilience in an era when shipping was fraught with peril.

Resources & Links

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The Ashland‘s story underscores the challenges and triumphs of 19th-century Great Lakes navigation, contributing to our understanding of the region’s maritime history.