Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Charles H. Burton
- Type: Wooden Three-Masted Schooner
- Year Built: 1867
- Builder: Stoakes & Locklin, Sheboygan, Wisconsin
- Dimensions: Length: 158 ft (48.2 m); Beam: 31 ft (9.4 m); Depth of hold: 14 ft (4.3 m)
- Registered Tonnage: Gross: 514 tons; Net: 489 tons
- Location: Approximately 4.5 miles east of Barcelona, New York
- Official Number: US 125402
- Original Owners: Burton Bros. of Erie, Pennsylvania
- Number of Masts: Three
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Names:
- Original: Glenbulah
- Rebuilt: Charles H. Burton
Description
The Charles H. Burton, originally known as the Glenbulah, was a wooden three-masted schooner built in 1867. It was constructed for the demands of Great Lakes shipping and measured 158 feet in length, 31 feet in beam, and 14 feet in depth.
History
The schooner was built by Stoakes & Locklin in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, and was significantly impacted by the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which largely destroyed it. The vessel was rebuilt in 1873 using the remaining hull of the Glenbulah, marking the transition to the Charles H. Burton. Under the ownership of Burton Bros. of Erie, Pennsylvania, it continued to serve the Great Lakes, carrying various cargoes.
Significant Incidents
- 1871: The Glenbulah was largely destroyed in the Great Chicago Fire.
- 1883: The Charles H. Burton was wrecked but salvaged and continued to operate.
- 1905-10-10: The Charles H. Burton was driven ashore in a storm on Lake Erie, resulting in its total loss.
Final Disposition
The Charles H. Burton was driven ashore approximately 4.5 miles east of Barcelona, New York, during a severe storm on October 10, 1905. The vessel broke up upon hitting the shore, leading to its complete loss. Fortunately, there were no fatalities as the crew managed to escape.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the Charles H. Burton likely remains submerged and scattered along the shoreline near Barcelona, New York. It serves as a reminder of the treacherous conditions faced by mariners on the Great Lakes.
Resources & Links
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The story of the Charles H. Burton, from its origins as the Glenbulah to its final resting place, exemplifies the resilience of maritime history on the Great Lakes. It highlights the unpredictable nature of life at sea and the enduring legacy of shipwrecks 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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