Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: JOHN J. BARLUM
- Type: Schooner Barge
- Year Built: 1890
- Builder: Not specified
- Dimensions: Length: 222 ft (67.7 m); Beam: Not specified; Depth: Not specified
- Registered Tonnage: 1,184 tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 15 m / 45 ft
- Location: Near Marblehead, Lake Erie
- Coordinates: 41°32.40’N, 82°38.30’W
- Original Owners: H. J. Webb & Co.; Richardson Transportation Co.; Algoma Central Railway Co.; Pringle Barge Line Co.
- Number of Masts: Not specified
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The JOHN J. BARLUM was a schooner barge, a type of vessel designed to be towed by steamers. These vessels retained the traditional schooner rigging, which allowed them to use their sails when necessary. The BARLUM was a large example of its type, purpose-built to transport heavy cargo across the Great Lakes.
Description
The JOHN J. BARLUM was built in 1890 with a gross tonnage of 1,184 tons. It was launched on October 12, 1890, and primarily used for transporting goods under tow by steamers like the KITTIE M. FORBES.
History
Ownership and Service: The ownership of the JOHN J. BARLUM changed hands several times throughout its service. In 1892, it was transferred to H. J. Webb & Co. in Cleveland, Ohio. By 1894, it was acquired by Richardson Transportation Co., which towed the vessel with the steamer ROUMANIA until 1900. In 1901, it was purchased by the Algoma Central Railway Co. in Sault St. Marie, Ontario, and in 1911, it was acquired by the Pringle Barge Line Co. in Cleveland, Ohio.
Significant Incidents
- 1891: Damaged by heavy seas in Cleveland, Ohio.
- 1898: Became disabled and underwent repairs in Duluth, Minnesota.
Final Disposition
On September 18, 1922, the JOHN J. BARLUM foundered near Marblehead, Ohio, in Lake Erie during adverse conditions, sinking approximately 3.6 miles (5.8 km) from the entrance to Sandusky Harbor. All six crew members aboard survived. In May 1923, the wreck was cleared to a depth of 30 feet below the low water datum to eliminate hazards to navigation.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Wreck Location: Near Kelley’s Island, Lake Erie. Visibility: Water conditions in Lake Erie may vary; visibility is influenced by weather, sediment, and algae blooms. Points of Interest: The wreck may include remnants of the wooden hull and scattered artifacts. Due to its removal and clearance for navigation, the remains may be fragmented or buried under sediment.
Resources & Links
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The JOHN J. BARLUM is a prime example of the evolution of Great Lakes transportation, reflecting the transition from sail-powered schooners to steam-powered towing systems. Its history highlights the robust operations of schooner barges in the Great Lakes’ busy shipping lanes. The loss of the vessel also illustrates the challenges of navigating Lake Erie, with its unpredictable weather and shallow waters.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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