Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Chief Justice Marshall
- Type: Two-Masted Wooden Schooner
- Year Built: 1830
- Builder: S. W. Turner
- Dimensions: Length: 105 ft (32 m); Beam: 22 ft; Depth of hold: 9 ft
- Registered Tonnage: 182 tons
- Location: Between Dunkirk and Barcelona, NY
- Official Number: None
- Original Owners: Shaw & Kibbie
- Number of Masts: 2
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Chief Justice Marshall was a typical wooden schooner of its era, constructed to transport cargo across the Great Lakes. With two masts and a robust design, it was well-suited for the demands of lake navigation. Schooners like this were essential in the early 19th century, providing a critical link in the trade and supply chain that fueled regional growth.
Description
The Chief Justice Marshall was launched in 1830 by shipbuilder S. W. Turner in Cape Vincent, New York. The schooner primarily served the Great Lakes, transporting various cargoes between ports. In 1849, the vessel underwent a significant rebuild, including an enlargement to improve its capacity and extend its operational life.
Owned by Shaw & Kibbie of Buffalo, NY, the schooner saw decades of service on Lake Erie, navigating one of the most tempestuous of the Great Lakes. Despite its sturdy construction and the skill of its crews, the schooner faced the ever-present challenges of unpredictable weather, powerful storms, and the demanding conditions of lake commerce.
History
On November 1, 1862, the Chief Justice Marshall met its tragic end during a violent storm on Lake Erie. The schooner ran aground between Dunkirk and Barcelona, NY. Historical reports indicate that the vessel was completely wrecked, and all four or five crew members were lost. Some conflicting accounts suggest the crew may have survived, but predominant records confirm their loss.
The storm that claimed the Chief Justice Marshall was particularly devastating, resulting in the sinking of multiple vessels, including the POST BOY and the RUGBY. While the crew of the POST BOY was rescued, the crews of the Chief Justice Marshall and the RUGBY perished. This tragic event highlights the deadly conditions faced by sailors navigating the Great Lakes in the 19th century.
Significant Incidents
- Wrecked on November 1, 1862, during a storm on Lake Erie.
- All crew members lost, though some accounts suggest possible survival.
- Part of a larger storm that affected multiple vessels.
Final Disposition
There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the wreck site of the Chief Justice Marshall. The exact location of the wreck remains undocumented, and any remnants of the schooner are likely buried or dispersed by time and weather.
The Chief Justice Marshall‘s wreck has not been precisely located. Its remains, if they still exist, are believed to lie in the area between Dunkirk and Barcelona, NY, in Lake Erie. No modern recovery or exploration efforts have been documented.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the Chief Justice Marshall is not currently accessible for exploration, and its condition remains unknown due to the lack of precise location data.
Resources & Links
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The loss of the Chief Justice Marshall on Lake Erie in 1862 is a sobering reminder of the risks faced by Great Lakes mariners. Serving for over three decades, the schooner was emblematic of the era’s reliance on wooden vessels for cargo transport. Its tragic end during a fierce storm underscores the harsh realities of 19th-century maritime life. Though the wreck remains undiscovered, the legacy of the Chief Justice Marshall endures in the annals of Great Lakes history.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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