Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

Chesapeake (1838)

Explore the wreck of the Chesapeake, a wooden sidewheel steamer that sank in Lake Erie after a collision in 1847, now a significant dive site.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Chesapeake
  • Type: Wooden Sidewheel Steamer
  • Year Built: 1838
  • Builder: David R. Stebbins
  • Dimensions: Length 172 ft (52.4 m); Beam 24 ft 6 in (7.5 m); Depth of hold 10 ft 2 in (3.1 m)
  • Registered Tonnage: 412 tons
  • Depth at Wreck Site: 12 m / 40 ft
  • Location: Off the coast of Conneaut, Ohio
  • Coordinates: Approx. two miles from shore (exact coordinates not specified)
  • Original Owners: Burr Higgins and Company

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Chesapeake was a wooden sidewheel steamer launched in 1838 by David R. Stebbins in Maumee, Ohio.

Description

The Chesapeake was a passenger and package freight carrier, integral to the burgeoning transportation network on the Great Lakes, ferrying people and goods efficiently across Lake Erie.

History

Ownership and Operations
Owned by Burr Higgins and Company of Sandusky, Ohio. Operated as part of the growing trade and passenger routes in the mid-19th century, aiding in the economic development of the region.

The Collision and Sinking
On June 9, 1847, the Chesapeake, laden with dry goods and groceries, collided with the schooner J.F. Porter under the cover of darkness. The J.F. Porter was carrying wheat and corn. After the collision, the J.F. Porter sank quickly, but her crew managed to board the Chesapeake. Despite efforts to reach Conneaut Harbor, the Chesapeake also foundered approximately two miles from shore, settling in 40 feet of water.

Rescue and Casualties
Many passengers and crew members escaped using lifeboats and makeshift rafts. Calm lake conditions allowed the steamer Harrison to rescue survivors. Tragically, at least nine lives were lost, though reports vary on the exact number of casualties.

Significant Incidents

  • Collision with the schooner J.F. Porter on June 9, 1847.
  • Foundering approximately two miles from shore.
  • At least nine casualties reported.

Final Disposition

The Chesapeake rests at the bottom of Lake Erie, approximately two miles off Conneaut, Ohio. The wreck remains largely undisturbed and is accessible to divers, representing a significant piece of Great Lakes maritime history.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Condition: The current state of the wreck is unclear, but its age suggests extensive degradation of the wooden structure. Cold freshwater may have preserved some elements.

Accessibility: The wreck lies at a depth of 40 feet, making it relatively accessible for divers. Its shallow location and historical importance attract divers and researchers.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”chesapeake-1838″ title=”References & Links”]

The Chesapeake’s sinking highlights the challenges of early maritime navigation on the Great Lakes, including the dangers of nighttime travel and the risks of poorly enforced navigational protocols. The tragedy underscored the need for improved safety measures and vigilance in maritime operations. The wreck serves as a testament to the early steamboat era, offering insights into the technological advancements and the perilous conditions of mid-19th-century Great Lakes travel.

Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record

This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

  • Wreck Name: Chesapeake
  • Type: Wooden Sidewheel Steamer
  • Date of Incident: June 9, 1847
  • Location: Off the coast of Conneaut, Ohio, Lake Erie
  • Coordinates: Approx. two miles from shore (exact coordinates not specified)
  • Depth: 40 feet (12 meters)
  • Condition: Foundered after collision; wreck remains in shallow water.

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Chesapeake was a wooden sidewheel steamer launched in 1838 by David R. Stebbins in Maumee, Ohio.

  • Dimensions:
    • Length: 172 feet (52.4 meters)
    • Width: 24 feet 6 inches (7.5 meters)
    • Depth: 10 feet 2 inches (3.1 meters)
    • Tonnage: 412 tons
  • Powerplant:
    • Vertical beam low-pressure steam engine.
    • 120 nominal horsepower.
    • Twin 28-foot paddlewheels.

The Chesapeake was a passenger and package freight carrier, integral to the burgeoning transportation network on the Great Lakes, ferrying people and goods efficiently across Lake Erie.

HISTORY

Ownership and Operations

  • Owned by Burr Higgins and Company of Sandusky, Ohio.
  • Operated as part of the growing trade and passenger routes in the mid-19th century, aiding in the economic development of the region.

The Collision and Sinking

  • On June 9, 1847, the Chesapeake, laden with dry goods and groceries, collided with the schooner J.F. Porter under the cover of darkness.
  • The J.F. Porter was carrying wheat and corn.
  • After the collision, the J.F. Porter sank quickly, but her crew managed to board the Chesapeake.
  • Despite efforts to reach Conneaut Harbor, the Chesapeake also foundered approximately two miles from shore, settling in 40 feet of water.

Rescue and Casualties

  • Many passengers and crew members escaped using lifeboats and makeshift rafts.
  • Calm lake conditions allowed the steamer Harrison to rescue survivors.
  • Tragically, at least nine lives were lost, though reports vary on the exact number of casualties.

FINAL DISPOSITION

  • The Chesapeake rests at the bothttps://shotlinediving.comwp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpg of Lake Erie, approximately two miles off Conneaut, Ohio.
  • The wreck remains largely undisturbed and is accessible to divers, representing a significant piece of Great Lakes maritime history.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

Condition:

The current state of the wreck is unclear, but its age suggests extensive degradation of the wooden structure. Cold freshwater may have preserved some elements.

Accessibility:

The wreck lies at a depth of 40 feet, making it relatively accessible for divers. Its shallow location and historical importance attract divers and researchers.

RESOURCES & LINKS

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The Chesapeake’s sinking highlights the challenges of early maritime navigation on the Great Lakes, including the dangers of nighttime travel and the risks of poorly enforced navigational protocols. The tragedy underscored the need for improved safety measures and vigilance in maritime operations.

The wreck serves as a testament to the early steamboat era, offering insights into the technological advancements and the perilous conditions of mid-19th-century Great Lakes travel.

TAGS #GreatLakes #Shipwrecks #LakeErie #MaritimeHistory #SidewheelSteamer #Chesapeake #CollisionAtSea #HistoricalShipwreck #UnderwaterExploration

ANALYSIS

The loss of the Chesapeake and the J.F. Porter reflects the inherent risks of maritime operations during the 19th century. While advancements like steam power revolutionized transportation, they also introduced complexities, including navigational challenges in crowded and unpredictable waters.

Preserving and studying the Chesapeake wreck offers an opportunity to honor those lost while gaining deeper insights into early maritime history on the Great Lakes.

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