Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Francis Mills
- Type: Two-masted wooden brig (square-rigged)
- Year Built: circa 1840s
- Builder:
- Dimensions: Length ~76 ft; Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Erie Peninsula, Lake Erie
- Number of Masts: Two
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
A mid-19th century wooden brig—full-rigged, robust and maneuverable for coastal trade. Likely constructed with hardwood framing and pine planking, the vessel was typical for transporting mixed dry goods and grain on Lake Erie.
Description
The Francis Mills was a two-masted wooden brig built in the 1840s, primarily used for coastal trade. It was designed to carry various cargoes, including flour, butter, meat, oats, and staves, making it a vital part of the shipping industry on Lake Erie.
History
Caught in a strong storm, the Francis Mills attempted to make port at Erie for shelter. Heavy seas and winds drove her ashore on the peninsula. The brig broke in two under wave attack, resulting in a total loss of both hull and cargo. The fall of 1847 featured particularly volatile Lake Erie weather, marked by early-season gales and sudden squalls. Grain and flour trade between Cleveland and Erie was common in this era, making such cargo-laden vessels vulnerable to autumn storms.
Significant Incidents
- Final Voyage & Loss Date: October 12, 1847
- Route: Downbound from Cleveland to Erie, Pennsylvania—seeking refuge from a storm
- Incident Site: Ran ashore on the Erie peninsula under heavy gale and broke apart
- Cargo: 550 barrels of flour, 150 kegs of butter, 22 barrels of meat, 2,770 bushels of oats, 500 staves
- Casualties: None reported
Final Disposition
The Francis Mills was lost due to severe weather conditions, resulting in the vessel breaking apart on the Erie peninsula. The wreck represents a classic case of mid-19th century Lake Erie shipwrecks, highlighting the dangers faced by vessels during this period.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The current condition of the wreck is not documented, and accessibility may vary. Divers should approach with caution and adhere to no-touch documentation methods.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”francis-millsc1840″ title=”References & Links”]
The Francis Mills exemplifies a common yet perilous route of early Great Lakes maritime commerce—laden with food supplies, her mission to reach Erie ended in disaster due to storm-driven stranding. Despite avoiding loss of life, the vessel and cargo were destroyed in what stands as a classic case of mid-19th century Lake Erie shipwreck.
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.
wooden brig, built circa 1840s
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Francis Mills
- Type: Two‑masted wooden brig (square‑rigged)
- Length: ~76 ft
- Final Voyage & Loss Date: October 12, 1847
- Route: Downbound from Cleveland to Erie, Pennsylvania—seeking refuge from a storm
- Incident Site: Ran ashore on the Erie peninsula under heavy gale and broke apart (alcheminc.com)
- Cargo:
- 550 barrels of flour
- 150 kegs of butter
- 22 barrels of meat
- 2,770 bushels of oats
- 500 staves (alcheminc.com)
- Casualties: None reported
Vessel Type Description
A mid‑19th century wooden brig—full‑rigged, robust and maneuverable for coastal trade. Likely constructed with hardwood framing and pine planking, the vessel was typical for transporting mixed dry goods and grain on Lake Erie.
Incident & Final Disposition
Caught in a strong storm, the Francis Mills attempted to make port at Erie for shelter. Heavy seas and winds drove her ashore on the peninsula. The brig broke in two under wave attack, resulting in a total loss of both hull and cargo (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files, alcheminc.com).
Historical Context
- The fall of 1847 featured particularly volatile Lake Erie weather, marked by early-season gales and sudden squalls.
- Grain and flour trade between Cleveland and Erie was common in this era, making such cargo-laden vessels vulnerable to autumn storms.
Gaps & Recommended Research
- Ownership & Crew Details: Check U.S. Customs House enrollment and port registers in Cleveland (1845–1847) for ownership, master’s name, and crew roster.
- Cargo Manifests & Insurance: Erie-based mercantile ledgers and underwriters may hold claims or manifests listing cargo values.
- Contemporaneous Press Reports: October 1847 editions of Erie Gazette, Cleveland Herald, and Buffalo Courier may provide eyewitness accounts, salvage operations, or local reaction.
Conclusion
The Francis Mills exemplifies a common yet perilous route of early Great Lakes maritime commerce—laden with food supplies, her mission to reach Erie ended in disaster due to storm-driven stranding. Despite avoiding loss of life, the vessel and cargo were destroyed in what stands as a classic case of mid‑19th century Lake Erie shipwreck.
francis-millsc1840 1847-10-12 23:41:00