Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: CHARLES B. HILL
- Type: Wooden Passenger and Package Freighter
- Year Built:
- Builder:
- Dimensions: Approximately 252 ft (76.8 m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage:
- Depth at Wreck Site: 5.5 m / 18 ft
- Location: Approximately one-half mile off Madison, Ohio
- Coordinates: 41° 50′ 27.3012″ N, -81° 3′ 4.86″ W
- Official Number: Not Available
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The CHARLES B. HILL was a large wooden freighter designed to transport both passengers and package freight. Such vessels were indispensable during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, bridging vital commercial and transportation needs across the Great Lakes. Its design reflects the era’s engineering focus on versatility, allowing the transport of goods and people efficiently in one vessel.
Description
The CHARLES B. HILL met its tragic end in 1906, when it succumbed to the unpredictable weather of Lake Erie. During a severe storm, the vessel began to take on water after springing a leak. Despite efforts to manage the emergency, the freighter ran aground near Madison, Ohio, where it eventually broke apart. This incident underscores the hazards faced by Great Lakes vessels, especially those reliant on wood construction in an era of rapidly advancing shipbuilding technology.
History
The CHARLES B. HILL grounded in 1906, with the wreck now resting in shallow waters at a depth of 18 feet. It has become a site of interest for divers and maritime historians, offering a glimpse into early 20th-century Great Lakes shipping.
Significant Incidents
- Grounded in 1906 during a severe storm, leading to its eventual breakup.
Final Disposition
The wreck of the CHARLES B. HILL is now a confirmed site of interest for divers, resting at a depth of 18 feet. It provides an excellent opportunity to explore the design and construction of early 20th-century wooden freighters.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Resting at a depth of 18 feet, the wreck of the CHARLES B. HILL is accessible to novice divers. The remains are relatively intact, providing an excellent opportunity to explore the design and construction of early 20th-century wooden freighters. The shallow depth and proximity to shore make it a convenient and safe site for exploration.
Resources & Links
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The CHARLES B. HILL serves as a testament to the resilience and challenges of Great Lakes shipping in the early 1900s. While its grounding in 1906 marked the end of its service, the wreck site continues to provide valuable insights into maritime history. Its shallow depth and intact condition make it an appealing location for divers and researchers alike, offering an accessible and tangible link to the past.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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