Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: C.B. WALLACE
- Type: Sidewheel Steamer
- Year Built: 1880
- Builder: I. Gillespie, Port Clinton, Ohio
- Dimensions: 102 ft (31.1 m) length × 18 ft (5.5 m) beam × 3 ft (0.9 m) depth
- Registered Tonnage: 99 tons
- Location: Toledo, Ohio
- Official Number: 76124
- Original Owners: M.I. Wilcox
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The C.B. WALLACE was a wooden sidewheel steamer designed for passenger and package freight service on Lake Erie. Originally built as the J.V. LUTTS in 1880, the vessel underwent significant modifications in 1891, transforming from an “odd sidewheel rabbit” design into a more conventional passenger steamer. This rebuild likely included structural enhancements and updates to accommodate passenger comfort and cargo handling.
Description
Measuring 102 feet in length with a beam of 18 feet and a depth of 3 feet, the C.B. WALLACE was relatively modest in size. Its sidewheel propulsion system was typical of the era, providing reliable service for short to medium-range routes across Lake Erie. The vessel’s wooden construction was standard for the time, though it made ships more susceptible to fire hazards.
History
Launched in 1880 as the J.V. LUTTS, the vessel served the Lake Erie region for over a decade before being rebuilt and renamed C.B. WALLACE in 1891. The rebuild aimed to modernize the vessel, possibly to meet evolving safety standards and passenger expectations. Under the ownership of M.I. Wilcox, the C.B. WALLACE continued to operate in the passenger and freight sector, contributing to the bustling maritime commerce of the Great Lakes during the late 19th century.
Significant Incidents
On September 25, 1897, while docked in Toledo, Ohio, the C.B. WALLACE was consumed by a fire of unknown origin. Despite efforts to control the blaze, the vessel was destroyed, resulting in a total loss. Fortunately, there were no casualties reported. The incident underscores the vulnerabilities of wooden steamers to fire, a common hazard of the period.
Final Disposition
There is no record of the C.B. WALLACE wreck being located or identified in Lake Erie. Given that the vessel burned at the dock, it is possible that the remains were salvaged or dismantled shortly after the incident.
Current Condition & Accessibility
There are no current navigational warnings or advisories related to the C.B. WALLACE. As the vessel was destroyed by fire at the dock, it does not pose a hazard to navigation.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”c-b-wallace-us-76124-j-v-lutts” title=”References & Links”]
The C.B. WALLACE serves as a historical example of the challenges faced by wooden steamers in the late 19th century, particularly the risk of fire. Its service life reflects the dynamic nature of maritime commerce on the Great Lakes, and its loss contributes to the rich tapestry of shipwreck history in the region.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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