Erastus Corning US 7239

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Erastus Corning
• Type: Three-masted bark, later converted to schooner
• Year Built: 1867
• Builder: F. N. Jones
• Dimensions: Length: 204.3 ft (62.3 m); Beam: 35.3 ft (10.8 m); Depth: 14.5 ft (4.4 m)
• Registered Tonnage: 852 gross, 832 net
• Location: Off Poverty Island, south of Fairport, Michigan
• Official Number: 7239
• Number of Masts: 3

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Originally launched as one of the Great Lakes’ last full-rigged barks, the Erastus Corning was a powerful wooden bulk hauler—ideal for carrying heavy cargoes like iron ore. Its size and rigging represented the pinnacle of sail-driven Lake vessels. A refit in 1877 converted her to a schooner rig, reflecting evolving economic demands and navigational strategies.

Description

The Erastus Corning was constructed in 1867 in Tonawanda, New York, and was built by F. N. Jones. The vessel was made of wood and initially launched as a three-masted bark before being converted to a schooner in 1877. It had a length of 204.3 feet (62.3 m), a beam of 35.3 feet (10.8 m), and a depth of 14.5 feet (4.4 m). The registered tonnage was 852 gross and 832 net.

History

• 1867: Construction and launch from Tonawanda, NY.
• 1868: Registered in Buffalo; tonnage recorded as 832.43 gross.
• 1871: Under A.C. Taylor’s ownership, still at ~852 gross tons.
• 1876: Underwent major repairs in Buffalo.
• 1877: Converted from bark to schooner rig.
• 1878: Another major repair, indicating intensive use.
• 1879: Tonnage re-entered as 832 tons.
• 1881 (May): Collided with the steamer Waverly; repaired and returned to service.
• 1882 (June): Chartered between Buffalo–Chicago, hauling coal.
• 1889 (March): Sold to the Lorain syndicate, preparing for Lake Michigan operations.
• 1889 (21 May): Foundered during a heavy gale on Lake Michigan at Poverty Island while carrying iron ore; lost as a total wreck.

Significant Incidents

• 1881: Collided with the steamer Waverly and was repaired.
• 1889: Foundered during a heavy gale on Lake Michigan.

Final Disposition

Caught in storm conditions, the ship was driven ashore near Poverty Island on 21 May 1889. The wreck reportedly stood nearly upright on the reef, with the stern submerged and the bow jutting high—a striking testament to its final moments. Though salvaging was contemplated, underwriters deemed the iron ore and rigging too costly to recover. The stripped hulk remained a landmark for some time afterward; local contractors removed valuable materials but left the wreck largely intact initially.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Although salvage removed much of the cargo and rigging, underwater timbers likely remain. No modern survey has recorded the site, though shallow reef exposure during low water may permit visual inspection in clear conditions. Not considered a dive site.

Resources & Links

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The Erastus Corning is a landmark wreck in Great Lakes history—both for its impressive size as a wooden cargo bark/schooner and for its arresting final stance atop Poverty Island’s reef. The decision to abandon her, leaving her unrecovered, reflects emerging practical maritime economics as steam took over. The wreck invites both historical and archaeological interest, marking the dusk of sail-powered bulk transport on Lake Michigan.