H.H. Brown (1856)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: H.H. Brown
• Type: Barkentine
• Year Built: 1856
• Builder: J. Wolverton
• Dimensions: Length: 115.4 ft (35.2 m); Beam: 25.9 ft (7.9 m); Depth of hold: 9 ft (2.7 m)
• Registered Tonnage: 257 gross tons
• Location: Sandusky Bar, near Sandusky, Ohio
• Original Owners: E.W. Hudson
• Number of Masts: Three

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The H.H. Brown was a barkentine, a type of vessel characterized by its three masts and a schooner rig on the foremast, making it a versatile ship for both cargo transport and navigation in the varied winds of the Great Lakes.

Description

The vessel was built in 1856 by shipbuilder J. Wolverton in Detroit, Michigan, for E.W. Hudson, a Detroit-based owner. With a length of 115.4 feet, a beam of 25.9 feet, and a depth of 9 feet, the H.H. Brown was a substantial vessel with a gross tonnage of 257 tons, primarily used for carrying lumber—a critical resource for the growing settlements and industries around the Great Lakes.

History

The H.H. Brown had a service history marked by several significant maritime incidents. In July 1858, the vessel collided with the schooner Cuyahoga near Milwaukee, Wisconsin. While the specifics of the damage are not detailed, such collisions were common on the busy waters of the Great Lakes, where numerous vessels plied their trade.

In September 1865, the H.H. Brown ran aground near Point Aux Barques, a notorious hazard on Lake Huron known for its dangerous shoals and frequent shipwrecks. The vessel managed to survive this incident, only to face another, more catastrophic event the following month.

Significant Incidents

In October 1865, the H.H. Brown encountered a severe gale while navigating Lake Erie. The powerful storm drove the vessel ashore on Sandusky Bar, near Sandusky, Ohio. The grounding proved disastrous, and by October 28, 1865, the ship had largely disintegrated, marking the end of its service. Despite the severity of these incidents, there are no records of lives lost during the ship’s final wrecking or in any of its previous mishaps.

Final Disposition

The disintegration of the H.H. Brown by the end of October 1865 marked the conclusion of its decade-long service on the Great Lakes, leaving behind a legacy of resilience in the face of adversity. The vessel’s repeated encounters with danger underscore the hazards of maritime navigation in this region.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck likely remains scattered and largely disintegrated near Sandusky, Ohio. While the physical remains of the H.H. Brown have likely been scattered or buried beneath the sands of Lake Erie, the ship’s story lives on through historical records.

Resources & Links

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Further research into the H.H. Brown may uncover more details about its construction, ownership, and the specific circumstances of its final wrecking. Continuous monitoring of maritime history archives and shipwreck databases will ensure that any new information about the H.H. Brown is integrated into its historical narrative.