Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: L.H. Cotton (also recorded as L.H. Colton)
- Type: Wooden, 3-masted bark
- Year Built: 1861
- Builder: Quayle & Martin
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: ≈ 322 ft
- Location: Mouth of Cleveland Harbor, Lake Erie
- Coordinates: N/A
- Official Number: 14712
- Original Owners: N/A
- Number of Masts: 3
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
A mid-19th century wooden bark rigged ship, primarily used for transporting oil across the Great Lakes.
Description
L.H. Cotton was a substantial wooden bark constructed in 1861, actively employed in transporting oil across Lake Erie. On October 24, 1875, she caught fire near the mouth of Cleveland Harbor, sank just off the pier, and was removed from navigational channels. Though earmarked for rebuilding, there’s no evidence this was ever conducted. No lives were lost.
History
- Commanded by Captain Cotton, likely the vessel’s namesake.
- Engaged in oil-carrying trade, with at least one voyage en route to Liverpool noted before her loss.
Significant Incidents
- Date of Loss: October 24, 1875
- Location: Mouth of Cleveland Harbor, Lake Erie
- Incident: While laden with oil, the vessel caught fire, burned, and sank just 33 yards from the pier’s end. To avoid obstructing navigation, she was promptly towed aside after sinking.
- Casualties: No fatalities are reported.
- Aftermath: Although plans were made to rebuild L.H. Cotton, no subsequent records confirm that this occurred.
Final Disposition
The incident was recorded in shipwreck files with sources including wmn, hgl, mv, nsp (likely Western Maritime News, Historic Great Lakes, Marine Vessel registries, New Shipwreck Papers).
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck site is confirmed, but specific dive conditions and accessibility details are not provided.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”l-h-cotton-l-h-colton-us-14712″ title=”References & Links”]
To supplement understanding and close remaining gaps (insurance, crew names, cargo specifics, post-fire outcome), further research is recommended, including local newspaper archives and marine registers.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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