Elm City (c1849)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Elm City
• Type: Wooden schooner, two-masted
• Year Built: Circa 1849
• Builder: Possibly Port Dover, Ontario
• Dimensions: Unknown (assumed ~70–90 ft)
• Registered Tonnage: Not recorded (small cargo schooner)
• Location: Lake Erie, between Port Dover and Erie
• Coordinates: Unknown
• Official Number: Unknown
• Original Owners: Unknown
• Number of Masts: Two

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Elm City was a wooden schooner characterized by its two-masted design, typical of cargo vessels of its time.

Description

Built around 1849, the Elm City was a modest cargo schooner that primarily operated on Lake Erie. It was engaged in transporting goods, including a significant cargo of water lime at the time of its loss.

History

The Elm City is believed to have been constructed in Port Dover, Ontario, although specific details about its ownership and registry remain unconfirmed. The vessel was likely involved in coastal trade, reflecting the common practices of the era.

Significant Incidents

• On May 27, 1866, while crossing Lake Erie, the Elm City caught fire mid-transit.
• The crew abandoned ship and allowed her to burn, resulting in a total loss.
• No wreckage was recovered; the vessel likely burned to the waterline or sank post-fire.

Final Disposition

The Elm City was declared a total loss due to the fire. No recovery efforts were made, and the wreck remains unlocated.

Current Condition & Accessibility

As the Elm City was lost to fire, its current condition is unknown. The site of the wreck has not been identified, and no artifacts have been recovered.

Resources & Links

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The loss of the Elm City on May 27, 1866, highlights the dangers faced by cargo vessels of the time. Despite the total loss, no casualties were reported, and further research is needed to clarify the vessel’s history and identity.