Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: E. C. Williams
- Type: Wooden two-masted schooner
- Year Built: 1849
- Builder: Rogers in Charlotte, New York
- Dimensions: 105 ft (~32 m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: 175 tons
- Location: Approximately 4 miles east of Erie, Pennsylvania, near Elk Creek
- Original Owners: William C. Davison, later joined by John Davison
- Number of Masts: Two
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden two-masted schooner typical of mid-19th-century design, primarily used for light cargo transport.
Description
The E. C. Williams was a wooden schooner built in 1849, measuring approximately 105 feet in length and registered at 175 tons. It served the Buffalo–Erie corridor, transporting light cargo.
History
Initially owned by William C. Davison of Buffalo, the E. C. Williams was later joined by his brother John Davison. The vessel was engaged in typical mid-19th-century shipping activities, primarily between Buffalo, NY, and Erie, PA.
Significant Incidents
- On May 26, 1861, the E. C. Williams was caught in heavy spring gales while attempting to ride out the storm by dropping both anchors.
- Both anchor cables parted under pressure, causing the vessel to be driven ashore onto a rocky beach.
- The crew managed to escape without injuries by making their way across the rigging to the shoreline.
- Over the following days, the schooner broke apart due to wave action and was declared a total wreck.
Final Disposition
The E. C. Williams was ultimately lost to the elements, with its remains likely consisting of broken fragments such as keel, planking, and iron fasteners, which may have washed up or become buried in shallow sand.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck site is located beachside near Elk Creek, approximately 4 miles east of Erie, Pennsylvania. The remains are likely scattered and may require shoreline walking surveys and subsurface magnetometer sweeps for exploration.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”e-c-williams-1849″ title=”References & Links”]
The E. C. Williams serves as a significant example of early fishing and light-cargo schooners in the Great Lakes, illustrating the challenges faced by mariners during severe weather conditions.
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