Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Fox
- Type: Two-masted wooden schooner
- Year Built: 1852
- Builder: Bidwell & Banta in Buffalo, NY
- Dimensions: 62 × 18 × 5 ft
- Registered Tonnage: Approx. 50 tons
- Location: North Harbor Reef, Lake Erie
- Number of Masts: 2
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Type: Two-masted wooden schooner
Description
Fox was a two-masted wooden schooner built in 1852 by Bidwell & Banta in Buffalo, NY. The vessel had a registered tonnage of approximately 50 tons and measured roughly 62 feet in length, 18 feet in beam, and 5 feet in depth. On her final voyage, she was carrying staves, which are used in barrel-making.
History
The Fox was lost in mid-October 1867 while bound for Buffalo from an Erie port, laden with staves. The vessel encountered a severe storm off North Harbor Reef in Lake Erie, which led to her grounding. The ship was driven ashore and declared a total loss, with her bottom torn out due to the impact with the reef.
Significant Incidents
- Caught in a severe storm off North Harbor Reef, leading to grounding.
- Declared a total loss after being driven ashore.
- Wrecking expedition recovered cargo and a few items, but the hull remained unsalvageable.
Final Disposition
After the grounding, a wrecking expedition was dispatched days later, which only managed to recover some cargo and a few items from the ship. The hull of the Fox was deemed unsalvageable.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck of the Fox is not accessible for salvage due to its condition after the grounding. The area around North Harbor Reef is known for its treacherous waters, which contributed to the later placement of navigational aids and funding for the North Harbor Lighthouse.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”fox-1852″ title=”References & Links”]
The loss of the Fox highlights the frequent dangers faced by small schooners in the Lake Erie coastal trade during the 19th century. The wreck serves as a reminder of the importance of navigational safety improvements in the region.
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.
Schooner Fox (built 1852 – lost mid‑October 1867)
Identification & Build
- Type: Two‑masted wooden schooner
- Built: 1852 by Bidwell & Banta in Buffalo, NY
- Tonnage: Approx. 50 tons; dimensions roughly 62 × 18 × 5 ft
- Cargo: Carries staves (barrel-making wood) on final voyage
Final Voyage & Loss – Mid‑October 1867
- Route: Bound for Buffalo from an Erie port, laden with staves
- Incident: Caught in a severe storm off North Harbor Reef, Lake Erie
- Outcome:
- Driven ashore and declared a total loss
- Stripped of her bottom (“bottom torn out”) by reef impact
- A wrecking expedition dispatched days later only recovered cargo and a few items from the ship; the hull remained unsalvageable (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Context & Significance
- Highlights frequent losses of small-period schooners still vital to Lake Erie coastal trade
- The location—North Harbor Reef—was notoriously treacherous; this wreck contributed to the later placement of navigational aids and funding for the North Harbor Lighthouse (NPS History)
Research & Survey Opportunities
| Focus Area | Actionable Steps |
|---|---|
| Archival Newspapers | Examine Erie Gazette, Buffalo Courier, Sandusky Register (mid‑Oct 1867) for storm reports, grounding details, and wreck-expedition logs |
| Harbor Authority Records | Investigate keeper’s logs and engineering correspondence on the reef from 1867–1868 for safety response updates |
| Survey & Remote‑Sensing | Conduct side‑scan sonar around North Harbor Reef; although wreck fragility suggests minimal remains, some keel or framing might persist |
| Registry Research | Retrieve enrollment entries (1852) for Fox to document ownership, master’s name (Capt. Buckley), and build specifics |
Summary
- Name: Fox
- Built: 1852, Buffalo
- Lost: Mid‑October 1867 – storm-caused grounding on North Harbor Reef; bottom torn out
- Cargo: Staves (some recovered)
- Crew: All survived – no casualties recorded
- Significance: Contributed to navigational safety improvements; minor wreck with historical coastal trade relevance