Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: James Scott
- Type: Schooner
- Year Built: 1870
- Builder: Cleveland, Ohio
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Near Springfield, Pennsylvania
- Original Owners: Captain James Scott
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The James Scott was a wooden schooner, part of Captain James Scott’s fleet based in Cleveland, Ohio. It typically carried bulk freight such as iron ore or general cargo across Lake Erie routes.
Description
Built around 1870, the James Scott was designed for transporting goods across the Great Lakes. The vessel was known for its sturdy construction and was part of a fleet that contributed to the shipping industry in the region.
History
The James Scott was primarily engaged in trade routes between Ogdensburg, NY, and Detroit, utilizing the waterways of Lake Erie. Its service history reflects the typical operations of wooden schooners during the late 19th century.
Significant Incidents
- Date of Loss: November 1882
- Route: Bound from Ogdensburg, NY toward Detroit, navigating across Lake Erie.
- Incident: Driven ashore in a severe storm, the vessel stranded near Springfield, Pennsylvania, approximately 20 miles west of Erie, PA, and was quickly broken apart by wave action.
- Casualties: The crew abandoned the ship and reached shore safely; no fatalities were recorded.
Final Disposition
The James Scott was declared a total loss as it disintegrated after being driven ashore. The wreck serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by vessels navigating the Great Lakes during severe weather conditions.
Current Condition & Accessibility
As of now, the wreck of the James Scott is not accessible for diving due to its disintegration and the location’s conditions. The site may be of interest for historical research and study.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”james-scott-1870″ title=”References & Links”]
The loss of the James Scott highlights the challenges of maritime navigation in the Great Lakes, particularly during storms. The vessel’s story contributes to the rich maritime history of the region.
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.
(built 1870; lost November 1882)
Vessel Summary
- A wooden schooner built around 1870, part of Captain James Scott’s fleet based in Cleveland, Ohio. (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
- Typically carried bulk freight such as iron ore or general cargo across Lake Erie routes.
Final Voyage & Loss
- Date of Loss: November 1882
- Route: Bound from Ogdensburg, NY toward Detroit—or at least northeast-to-west across Lake Erie. (Wikipedia, Great Lakes Shipwreck Files, Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
- Incident: Driven ashore in a severe storm, she stranded near Springfield, Pennsylvania (about 20 miles west of Erie, PA) and was quickly broken apart by wave action. (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
- Crew were able to reach shore safely; no fatalities were recorded. (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Summary Table
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Vessel Name | James Scott |
| Built | circa 1870, likely Cleveland, OH |
| Route | Ogdensburg, NY → Detroit via Lake Erie |
| Loss Date | November 1882 |
| Location | Near Springfield, PA (20 mi west of Erie, PA) |
| Cause of Loss | Driven ashore in storm; broken up by wave action |
| Cargo | Iron ore or general freight (typical trade) |
| Casualties | None—crew abandoned ship and reached shore safely |
| Final Status | Total loss; hulk disintegrated |
Historical Context & Source Notes
The James Scott incident is recorded in the Great Lakes Shipwreck Files as a storm loss in November 1882. It describes the vessel as being driven ashore near Springfield, Pennsylvania, and wrecked on Lake Erie. The crew survived without injuries. (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files, alcheminc.com, Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Additional Research Suggestions
To enrich your understanding of the James Scott disaster:
- Review Buffalo or Erie-area newspaper archives (Nov 1882) for storm reports or shipwreck notices.
- Check marine insurance and underwriters’ records for cargo value, ownership, and enumerations of storm losses.
- Explore shipping registries or customs logs from Cleveland or Ogdensburg to trace vessel ownership or trade records.