Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Governor Marcy
- Type: Sidewheel Steamer
- Year Built: 1834
- Builder: Black Rock (Buffalo), New York
- Dimensions: 125 ft (38.1 m); 19 ft (5.79 m); 7 ft (2.13 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 162 tons
- Location: Below Van Buren Point, near Dunkirk, New York
- Official Number: None
- Original Owners: Unknown
- Number of Masts: None
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden sidewheel steamer.
Description
The Governor Marcy was a wooden sidewheel steamer constructed in 1834 at Black Rock, now part of Buffalo, New York. Measuring 125 feet in length with a beam of 19 feet and a depth of 7 feet, she had a gross tonnage of 162 tons. Sidewheel steamers of this era were characterized by large paddle wheels mounted on either side of the vessel, powered by steam engines, and were commonly used for passenger and package freight transport across the Great Lakes.
History
Launched in 1834, the Governor Marcy operated primarily on Lake Erie, providing transportation services between various ports. In 1844, she underwent a significant rebuild in Detroit, Michigan, which likely involved structural repairs and mechanical upgrades to extend her service life. The vessel played a role in the burgeoning maritime commerce of the Great Lakes during the mid-19th century, facilitating the movement of goods and passengers in the region.
Significant Incidents
Loss Circumstances: On June 4, 1847, while en route from Erie, Pennsylvania, to Buffalo, New York, the Governor Marcy encountered a severe gale near Van Buren Point, close to Dunkirk, New York. The storm caused the vessel to strand and ultimately wreck along the shoreline. Despite the vessel’s destruction, there were no reported casualties among those aboard. The incident underscores the challenges faced by early steamers navigating the unpredictable and often treacherous conditions of the Great Lakes.
Final Disposition
Located By & Date Found: Nil return. There is no confirmed discovery of the Governor Marcy wreck site to date.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Notmars & Advisories: None reported. No navigation hazards or current advisories are associated with this site.
Resources & Links
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The loss of the Governor Marcy highlights the perils faced by early Great Lakes mariners and the vulnerabilities of wooden steamers to severe weather conditions. While the vessel’s service was relatively short-lived, her story contributes to the rich tapestry of maritime history in the region, reflecting both the advancements and challenges of 19th-century lake navigation.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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