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.

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Name: G.W. CLINTON
• Type: Steam Ferry
• Year of Loss: July 4, 1843
• Location: Approximately 10 miles east of Cleveland, Lake Erie
• Coordinates: Not documented
• Depth: Unknown

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The G.W. CLINTON was a steam ferry of modest size and utility, with a reported tonnage of 19 and an engine of 40 “rat power” (a term indicative of the era’s rudimentary power classifications). Designed for short, inter-port voyages, the ferry served as a crucial link between Fort Erie and Buffalo before transitioning to operations along the Maumee River. Vessels of this type were built for efficiency and practicality, catering to passengers and cargo on Great Lakes routes.

HISTORY

The G.W. CLINTON was a workhorse of Great Lakes commerce, bridging key trade and travel routes during the mid-19th century. Little is known of her construction or specifications, as these details have been lost to time. Her modest build and operational history suggest she was valued for her reliability rather than grandeur.

On July 4, 1843, the ferry met its tragic end during a violent storm on Lake Erie. The vessel foundered approximately 10 miles east of Cleveland, though accounts of her demise remain conflicting. Some reports claim her crew was rescued by a small boat launched from shore, while others suggest the loss of all hands aboard.

Prior to her final voyage, the G.W. CLINTON had served as a ferry between Fort Erie and Buffalo, eventually operating along the Maumee River. The vessel’s transition from one route to another reflects the dynamic demands of Great Lakes commerce during the 19th century.

FINAL DISPOSITION

Despite varying accounts, it is widely accepted that the G.W. CLINTON was lost to the storm. The ferry’s remains have never been located or documented, leaving her fate shrouded in mystery. With no confirmed wreck site, the vessel’s final resting place is presumed to be within the stormy expanse of Lake Erie, east of Cleveland.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with the G.W. CLINTON, as the exact wreck site remains unidentified. Mariners in the region should exercise general caution during storms, which are a common hazard on Lake Erie.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The wreck of the G.W. CLINTON has not been discovered or surveyed, and no specific expeditions have been launched to confirm her final location.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The G.W. CLINTON has not been located, and its condition is unknown. If the wreck exists, it likely lies in a state of significant decay due to the passage of time and Lake Erie’s dynamic underwater environment. The vessel’s shallow water origins suggest it could be partially or completely buried under sediment.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca
• NOAA Shipwreck Database: Offers insights into other wrecks in Lake Erie.
• Local Historical Archives: Cleveland and Buffalo repositories may hold additional historical accounts of the G.W. CLINTON.

CONCLUSION

The G.W. CLINTON is a vessel whose story reflects the perilous nature of Great Lakes navigation during the 19th century. Shrouded in mystery and conflicting reports, her loss on July 4, 1843, remains an enigma in Lake Erie’s maritime history. The lack of a confirmed wreck site adds to her mystique, serving as a poignant reminder of the unforgiving power of the Great Lakes and the fleeting nature of human endeavor on these inland seas.

Keywords: G.W. Clinton, Lake Erie shipwreck, 19th-century steam ferry, Cleveland maritime history, Great Lakes storm wreck, unresolved maritime loss.

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