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:

• Wreck Name: George W. Adams
• Type: Schooner-Barge (originally a four-masted schooner)
• Date of Incident: December 11, 1895
• Location: Near Colchester Shoal, Lake Erie
• Coordinates: Not provided
• Depth: Sank in 30 feet (5 fathoms) of water, with reports indicating a shallow water depth of 14 feet over the wreck before removal.
• Condition: Removed by the Michigan Wrecking Co. after being deemed a navigational hazard.

Vessel Type Description:

The George W. Adams was originally built in 1875 as a four-masted schooner, one of the largest sail vessels of its time on the Great Lakes. Its wooden construction, measuring 231 feet (70.4 meters) in length, 40 feet (12.2 meters) in beam, and 20 feet (6.1 meters) in depth, allowed it to carry substantial cargoes.

Tonnage: 1,444 gross tons, 1,372 net tons. The vessel was later converted into a schooner-barge, primarily used for transporting heavy cargo such as coal, often under tow by steamers.

History:

The George W. Adams had a distinguished but ultimately tragic career:

1875: Launched as one of the largest and most capable four-masted schooners on the Great Lakes, constructed by Bailey Bros. in Toledo, Ohio.

1895: On December 11, while under tow by the steamer Caledonia, the vessel was bound for Chicago from Cleveland, carrying a cargo of coal. Near Colchester Shoal in Lake Erie, heavy ice crushed the hull, causing the vessel to sink. Fortunately, no lives were lost, a testament to the crew’s efforts during the disaster.

1896: Salvage attempts during the summer proved unsuccessful. The submerged wreck became a navigational hazard due to its shallow position, with as little as 14 feet of water over the wreck.

Final Disposition:

The Dominion cruiser PETREL surveyed the wreck and confirmed its hazardous position. The Michigan Wrecking Co. was contracted to remove the wreck, successfully clearing the obstruction by the end of 1896.

NOTMARs & Advisories:

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) associated with the site of the George W. Adams, as the wreck was completely removed. The incident remains significant in maritime history but does not impact current navigation.

Located By & Date:

Located and examined by the Dominion cruiser PETREL after the sinking in 1895.

Removed by the Michigan Wrecking Co. during the summer of 1896.

Current Condition & Accessibility:

The wreck of the George W. Adams has been completely removed, leaving no physical remains for exploration or diving. The site is now part of Lake Erie’s maritime heritage, with its story preserved in historical records and archives.

Resources & Links:

• Great Lakes Ships Database
• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes

Conclusion:

The George W. Adams was a testament to the evolving shipbuilding and cargo transportation capabilities of the Great Lakes during the late 19th century. Its unfortunate demise in 1895 due to ice damage underscores the dangers of navigating these waterways, especially in winter conditions. The removal of the wreck highlights the commitment to maintaining safe navigation routes on the lakes. Though no physical remains exist, the vessel’s legacy endures as an integral part of Great Lakes maritime history.

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