Missouri (pre-1870)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Missouri
• Type: Wooden steam propeller freighter
• Year Built: Before 1864
• Builder:
• Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
• Registered Tonnage: 530 tons
• Location: Near Port Burwell, Ontario, Lake Erie
• Official Number: Unknown
• Original Owners: Unknown
• Number of Masts: Unknown

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Wooden steam propeller freighter

Description

The Missouri was a 530-ton wooden freighter that had been converted to a steam propeller vessel before 1864. This conversion was part of a broader trend during the mid-19th century, where sailing ships were retrofitted with steam propulsion to improve reliability and reduce dependence on wind conditions.

History

On October 26, 1870, the Missouri went ashore and was wrecked near Port Burwell, Ontario, on Lake Erie. Details about the circumstances leading to the stranding are limited, but such incidents were common during this period due to sudden storms, navigational challenges, and the limitations of contemporary maritime technology. The Missouri‘s loss adds to the numerous shipwrecks that have occurred in the treacherous waters of Lake Erie, often referred to as the “Graveyard of the Great Lakes.”

Significant Incidents

• The Missouri was declared a total loss after being wrecked near Port Burwell.
• There is no available information indicating that the vessel was salvaged or that any significant recovery efforts were undertaken.

Final Disposition

The Missouri was declared a total loss after being wrecked near Port Burwell. There is no available information indicating that the vessel was salvaged or that any significant recovery efforts were undertaken.

Current Condition & Accessibility

There are no records indicating that the wreck of the Missouri has been located or documented by maritime archaeologists or divers.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”missouri-pre-1870″ title=”References & Links”]

The wreck of the Missouri near Port Burwell in 1870 serves as a historical example of the challenges faced by maritime vessels navigating the Great Lakes during the 19th century. While specific details about the vessel and the circumstances of its loss are limited, the incident contributes to the rich tapestry of Great Lakes maritime history.