Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: George H. Walker
- Type: Schooner
- Year Built: 1837
- Builder: John Ripson, Selkirk, New York
- Dimensions: 83 × 20 × 8 ft; ~124 tons
- Registered Tonnage: None
- Location: Near Madison, Ohio
- Official Number: None
- Number of Masts: Two
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Type & Rig: Wooden two-masted schooner
Description
The George H. Walker was a wooden two-masted schooner built in 1837 by John Ripson in Selkirk, New York. Some sources suggest it may have been built in 1827. The vessel measured approximately 83 feet in length, 20 feet in beam, and 8 feet in depth, with a registered tonnage of around 124 tons. It did not have an official number, which was common for early vessels.
History
The George H. Walker was part of the 1850s lumber trade on Lake Erie, operating amid early schooner fleets. It is noted for its emergency buoyancy provided by its lumber cargo, which allowed it to remain afloat temporarily after taking on water during a storm.
Significant Incidents
- Date: October 27, 1853
- Voyage Route: From Port Burwell, Ontario to Cleveland, Ohio
- Incident: The vessel sprang a leak approximately 40 miles offshore during a severe storm, causing the hull to flood and sink to deck level. The lumber cargo kept the schooner afloat, allowing it to drift until the crew was rescued by local residents near Madison, Ohio.
- Casualties: None; all crew members survived.
Final Disposition
The George H. Walker began sinking offshore in Lake Erie and drifted ashore near Madison, Ohio. It likely became a wreck on the shore and may have been stripped locally. Remains of the vessel may still be buried under beach sand near the historic Madison harbor.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck site is believed to be buried under sand, with potential remains of the vessel still present. The area may be suitable for archaeological surveys, especially during low-water conditions.
Resources & Links
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The George H. Walker exemplifies the vulnerabilities faced by early wooden schooners during storms. Its beaching near Madison, following the crew’s rescue, highlights the maritime resilience of mid-19th-century coastal communities. This site presents opportunities for further archaeological and archival research.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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