Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Massilon
- Type: Wooden cargo schooner (possibly brig-rigged)
- Year Built: Circa 1857
- Builder: Unknown
- Dimensions: Unknown
- Registered Tonnage: Unknown
- Location: Likely Lake Erie en route from Kelley’s Island, OH to Chicago, IL
- Original Owners: Unknown
- Number of Masts: Unknown
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Massilon was likely a wooden, brig- or schooner-rigged cargo vessel, typical of Great Lakes limestone carriers of the mid-19th century. Built circa 1857, she would have been constructed to Welland Canal dimensions to allow passage into Lake Ontario when required.
Description
The Massilon was likely a wooden, brig- or schooner-rigged cargo vessel, typical of Great Lakes limestone carriers of the mid-19th century. Built circa 1857, she would have been constructed to Welland Canal dimensions to allow passage into Lake Ontario when required.
History
The vessel primarily carried bulk cargoes such as limestone from quarrying centers like Kelley’s Island to growing industrial hubs including Chicago, IL. Like many contemporaries, she was unpowered and relied entirely on sail.
Significant Incidents
On 19 October 1876, bound from Kelley’s Island to Chicago with a heavy load of limestone, the Massilon reportedly sprang a leak. The incident likely stemmed from structural stress caused by overloading with dense cargo. Seasonal late-October weather on Lake Erie would have increased the risk. She foundered and was declared a total loss. No fatalities were reported in the surviving accounts.
Final Disposition
No salvage or recovery was recorded. The wreck’s precise location remains unknown but is presumed to lie along her intended route across western Lake Erie.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Not applicable—wreck location unknown.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”massilon-c1857″ title=”References & Links”]
The Massilon likely suffered structural failure under the strain of a dense limestone cargo, leading to flooding and foundering in Lake Erie. The absence of recorded casualties suggests an orderly abandonment. Further research in contemporary newspapers and customs records could clarify her specifications, ownership, and final position.
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.
Identification Card
Name: Massilon
Type: Wooden cargo schooner (possibly brig-rigged)
Builder: Unknown
Build Year: Circa 1857
Dimensions: Unknown
Gross Tonnage: Unknown
Hull Material: Wood
Propulsion: Sail
Date of Loss: 19 October 1876
Cause of Loss: Sprang leak under heavy limestone load
Location: Likely Lake Erie en route from Kelley’s Island, OH to Chicago, IL
Cargo: Limestone
Crew at Loss: Undocumented — no fatalities noted
Description
The Massilon was likely a wooden, brig- or schooner-rigged cargo vessel, typical of Great Lakes limestone carriers of the mid-19th century. Built circa 1857, she would have been constructed to Welland Canal dimensions to allow passage into Lake Ontario when required.
History
The vessel primarily carried bulk cargoes such as limestone from quarrying centers like Kelley’s Island to growing industrial hubs including Chicago, IL. Like many contemporaries, she was unpowered and relied entirely on sail.
Final Voyage
On 19 October 1876, bound from Kelley’s Island to Chicago with a heavy load of limestone, the Massilon reportedly sprang a leak. The incident likely stemmed from structural stress caused by overloading with dense cargo. Seasonal late-October weather on Lake Erie would have increased the risk. She foundered and was declared a total loss. No fatalities were reported in the surviving accounts.
Final Disposition
No salvage or recovery was recorded. The wreck’s precise location remains unknown but is presumed to lie along her intended route across western Lake Erie.
NOTMARs & Advisories
None recorded; wreck not charted.
Located By & Date Found
The wreck has not been located or surveyed.
Dive Information
Not applicable—wreck location unknown.
Crew & Casualty Memorials
Crew list unknown; no recorded fatalities.
Documented Statements & Extracts
“Sprang a leak under heavy limestone cargo—overloading likely a factor. Vessel foundered en route to Chicago; no fatalities noted.” — Compiled from period trade notes and your field records.
Research Gaps & Next Steps
| Research Area | Suggested Sources |
|---|---|
| Vessel type, registry & owner | Ohio/Illinois Customs House enrollment (1857–1876) |
| Leak & sinking specifics | Cleveland Plain Dealer, Chicago Tribune, Sandusky Register (October 1876 issues) |
| Crew list & fate | U.S. Life-Saving Service reports, maritime logs |
| Insurance & salvage info | Cleveland or Chicago underwriter records for limestone cargo vessels |
Preliminary Conclusion
The Massilon likely suffered structural failure under the strain of a dense limestone cargo, leading to flooding and foundering in Lake Erie. The absence of recorded casualties suggests an orderly abandonment. Further research in contemporary newspapers and customs records could clarify her specifications, ownership, and final position.
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