Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: George Washington
- Type: Sidewheel Steamer
- Year Built: 1838
- Builder: Captain Savage, Ashtabula, Ohio
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: 308 tons
- Location: Off Silver Creek, near Dunkirk, New York
- Coordinates: Not available
- Official Number: None
- Original Owners: None
- Number of Masts: None
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Sidewheel steamer – wooden-hulled, designed for passenger and package freight transport.
Description
The George Washington was a wooden sidewheel steamer constructed in 1838 by Captain Savage in Ashtabula, Ohio. With a tonnage of 308 tons, she was among the early steam-powered vessels operating on the Great Lakes, specifically designed to transport passengers and package freight across Lake Erie.
History
Launched in 1838, the George Washington embarked on her maiden voyage from Buffalo, New York, to Cleveland, Ohio, on June 15, 1838. This voyage marked the beginning of her service on the Great Lakes, aiming to provide efficient transportation for passengers and goods between key ports.
Significant Incidents
During her maiden voyage on June 15, 1838, the George Washington caught fire near her boilers while off Silver Creek, close to Dunkirk, New York. Despite efforts to manage the blaze, the fire rapidly spread, leading to the vessel’s destruction. Estimates of the loss of life vary, with reports indicating that between 30 to 50 individuals perished in the disaster.
Final Disposition
Tragically, the George Washington was destroyed by fire during her maiden voyage. The hull remained afloat long enough to be towed to Silver Creek the following day. The incident highlighted the vulnerabilities of early steam-powered vessels, particularly concerning fire hazards.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Nil return. There are no records indicating that the wreck of the George Washington has been located or identified in modern times.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”george-washington-1838″ title=”References & Links”]
The loss of the George Washington serves as a poignant reminder of the inherent risks associated with early steam navigation on the Great Lakes. The disaster underscored the critical need for improved safety measures and fire prevention protocols aboard steam-powered vessels, leading to advancements in maritime safety standards in subsequent years.
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
- Name: George Washington
- Former Names: None
- Official Number: None
- Date Built and Launched: 1838
- Builder: Captain Savage, Ashtabula, Ohio
- Specifications: 308 tons
- Date Lost: June 15, 1838
- Place of Loss: Off Silver Creek, near Dunkirk, New York
- Lake: Lake Erie
Vessel Type
Sidewheel steamer – wooden-hulled, designed for passenger and package freight transport.
Description
The George Washington was a wooden sidewheel steamer constructed in 1838 by Captain Savage in Ashtabula, Ohio. With a tonnage of 308 tons, she was among the early steam-powered vessels operating on the Great Lakes, specifically designed to transport passengers and package freight across Lake Erie.
History
Launched in 1838, the George Washington embarked on her maiden voyage from Buffalo, New York, to Cleveland, Ohio, on June 15, 1838. This voyage marked the beginning of her service on the Great Lakes, aiming to provide efficient transportation for passengers and goods between key ports.
Final Disposition
Tragically, during her maiden voyage on June 15, 1838, the George Washington caught fire near her boilers while off Silver Creek, close to Dunkirk, New York. Despite efforts to manage the blaze, the fire rapidly spread, leading to the vessel’s destruction. The hull remained afloat long enough to be towed to Silver Creek the following day. Estimates of the loss of life vary, with reports indicating that between 30 to 50 individuals perished in the disaster. The incident highlighted the vulnerabilities of early steam-powered vessels, particularly concerning fire hazards.
Located By & Date Found
Nil return. There are no records indicating that the wreck of the George Washington has been located or identified in modern times.
Notmars & Advisories
None reported. There are no current navigational hazards or advisories associated with this wreck site.
Resources & Links
- The Tragic End of the Steamship George Washington
- The Loss of the George Washington Off Silver Creek in 1838
- Historian Describes Research into 1838 Shipwreck
Conclusion
The loss of the George Washington serves as a poignant reminder of the inherent risks associated with early steam navigation on the Great Lakes. The disaster underscored the critical need for improved safety measures and fire prevention protocols aboard steam-powered vessels, leading to advancements in maritime safety standards in subsequent years.
Suggested Keywords: George Washington steamer, Lake Erie shipwreck, 1838 maritime disaster, Silver Creek NY shipwreck, Great Lakes steamship history
Categories: Shipwrecks of Lake Erie, 19th Century Maritime Disasters, Steamship Accidents
Glossary Terms:
- Sidewheel Steamer: A steam-powered vessel propelled by paddle wheels mounted on either side of the hull.
- Tonnage: A measure of a ship’s size or cargo-carrying capacity.
- Boilers: Equipment on a steamship where water is heated to produce steam for propulsion.