Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Gallatin
- Type: Wooden schooner
- Year Built:
- Builder: Unknown
- Dimensions: Estimated 100–140 ft (30–43 m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: Unknown
- Location: Off Point au Pelee, Lake Erie (Canada)
- Coordinates: ~41°47′N, 82°41′W
- Official Number: Unknown
- Original Owners: Unknown
- Number of Masts: Two or three (estimated)
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Gallatin was a classic wooden Great Lakes schooner, likely engaged in general cargo hauling during the 1880s. Built for stability and lake endurance, such vessels typically featured two or three masts and handled timber, grain, coal, or ballast. Her specific design and measurements are unknown but estimated based on contemporaries of the time.
Description
The Gallatin was a classic wooden Great Lakes schooner, likely engaged in general cargo hauling during the 1880s. Built for stability and lake endurance, such vessels typically featured two or three masts and handled timber, grain, coal, or ballast. Her specific design and measurements are unknown but estimated based on contemporaries of the time.
History
On April 23, 1882, during the start of the Great Lakes sailing season, the Gallatin foundered off Point au Pelee in Lake Erie. While the exact cause is unconfirmed, early spring conditions—including sudden storms, shoals, or hull fatigue—are suspected. Notably, all crew members survived, suggesting a nearshore abandonment or outside rescue. No record of cargo, origin, or destination survives in primary maritime listings.
Significant Incidents
- April 23, 1882: Schr. Gallatin founders off Point au Pelee, Lake Erie. Crew saved.
Final Disposition
The schooner was lost entirely by foundering. No salvage operations or material recovery is recorded. She likely sank in moderate to deep water and may have broken apart or scattered due to currents.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The Gallatin’s wreck remains undiscovered. No confirmed dive site or sonar survey has matched her identity to date. The suspected wreck site may lie within Point Pelee National Park marine zone. Any future investigation should comply with Canadian federal heritage protection and Parks Canada policy. No known hazards reported, but seasonal shoals and strong currents persist in the area.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”gallatin” title=”References & Links”]
Entire crew reported saved. No fatalities. Crew names not recorded in known public archives. Further research recommended via Leamington or Essex County regional newspapers (April 1882). The Gallatin remains a candidate for side-scan sonar or ROV exploration in the western basin of Lake Erie.
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.
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
Description
The Gallatin was a classic wooden Great Lakes schooner, likely engaged in general cargo hauling during the 1880s. Built for stability and lake endurance, such vessels typically featured two or three masts and handled timber, grain, coal, or ballast. Her specific design and measurements are unknown but estimated based on contemporaries of the time.History
On April 23, 1882, during the start of the Great Lakes sailing season, the Gallatin foundered off Point au Pelee in Lake Erie. While the exact cause is unconfirmed, early spring conditions—including sudden storms, shoals, or hull fatigue—are suspected. Notably, all crew members survived, suggesting a nearshore abandonment or outside rescue. No record of cargo, origin, or destination survives in primary maritime listings.Final Dispositions
The schooner was lost entirely by foundering. No salvage operations or material recovery is recorded. She likely sank in moderate to deep water and may have broken apart or scattered due to currents.Located By & Date Found
The Gallatin’s wreck remains undiscovered. No confirmed dive site or sonar survey has matched her identity to date.Notmars & Advisories
Suspected wreck site may lie within Point Pelee National Park marine zone. Any future investigation should comply with Canadian federal heritage protection and Parks Canada policy. No known hazards reported, but seasonal shoals and strong currents persist in the area.Dive Information
Access: Not accessible (unlocated) Entry Point: N/A Conditions: N/A Depth Range: Estimated moderate to deep (40–80 ft / 12–24 m) Emergency Contacts: Canadian Coast Guard, Point Pelee National Park Permits: Required for any exploratory or salvage diving Dive Support: None — site not confirmedCrew & Casualty Memorials
Entire crew reported saved. No fatalities. Crew names not recorded in known public archives. Further research recommended via Leamington or Essex County regional newspapers (April 1882).Documented Statements & Extracts
“1882 April 23rd – Schr. Gallatin founders off Point au Pelee, Lake Erie. Crew saved.” — Swayze Shipwreck File
Registry, Enrollment & Insurance Trails
Gallatin is not listed in current digitized Canadian shipping registers. Presumed listed in pre-Confederation or early Dominion registries. Insurance claim data not located.Site Documentation & Imaging
No imaging, models, or wreck survey data currently exists for the Gallatin. Remains a candidate for side-scan sonar or ROV exploration in the western basin of Lake Erie.Image Gallery
Resources & Links
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Great Lakes Vessels Database (BGSU/HCGL)
- Find A Grave
- Shotline Diving Archive
References
- Swayze, David. Shipwreck Database: Lake Erie, 1882 Entry – Gallatin
- Shotline Diving Archive – Unconfirmed Offshore Wrecks (Lake Erie)
- Point Pelee National Park – Navigation and Exclusion Zones