Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: George Davis
- Type: Wooden two-masted schooner
- Year Built: 1846
- Builder: S. Ruggles in Milan, Ohio
- Dimensions: ~111 ft (33.83 m) length × 24 ft (7.32 m) beam × 10 ft (3.05 m) depth
- Registered Tonnage: approx. 238 tons burden
- Location: Near Port Burwell, Ontario
- Original Owners: Enrolled at Chicago on April 8, 1863
- Number of Masts: 2
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden two-masted schooner, designed for cargo transport.
Description
The George Davis was a mid-19th-century wooden schooner built in 1846. It was primarily used for transporting cargo, specifically salt, on its route from Oswego to Chicago.
History
Built by S. Ruggles in Milan, Ohio, the George Davis was registered in Chicago in April 1863. The vessel was engaged in trade between Lake Ontario and Chicago, carrying salt as its primary cargo.
Significant Incidents
- Cause: Grounding in foggy conditions or navigational error.
- Location: Near Port Burwell, Ontario, along Lake Erie.
- Fate: Driven ashore and declared a total loss—no effort to salvage underway.
- Casualties: None reported—crew survived the grounding.
Final Disposition
The George Davis was declared a total loss after grounding near Port Burwell. The remains of the vessel were abandoned and never salvaged, aligning with records from the Great Lakes Shipwreck Files.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The current condition of the wreck is unknown, as it was never salvaged and remains abandoned.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”george-davis-1846″ title=”References & Links”]
Overall, the George Davis serves as a historical reminder of the maritime trade in the mid-19th century and the navigational challenges faced by vessels during that era.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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