Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Olive Richmond
- Type: Wooden brig (two-masted square-rigged vessel)
- Year Built: 1842
- Builder:
- Dimensions: Approximately 94 × 24 × 9 ft; ~168 tons
- Registered Tonnage: 168 tons
- Location: Cleveland breakwater, Lake Michigan
- Official Number: no official registry number recorded
- Original Owners: J. Ransom
- Number of Masts: 2
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Type
Wooden brig, two-masted square-rigged vessel.
Description
Description
The Olive Richmond was a wooden brig built in 1842, measuring approximately 94 feet in length, 24 feet in beam, and 9 feet in depth. She was registered out of Chicago and owned by J. Ransom, with Captain Peterson in command at the time of her loss.
History
History
The Olive Richmond served in the Great Lakes trade, primarily transporting goods and passengers. Her final voyage began on April 27, 1854, when she departed from Chicago bound for Cleveland or another port on Lake Michigan.
Significant Incidents
Significant Incidents
- On April 27, 1854, during a powerful spring gale, the Olive Richmond was driven onto the Cleveland breakwater.
- The vessel became stranded and broke apart over several days due to the storm’s intensity.
- She was declared a total loss, valued at approximately $2,350.
- There was no recorded loss of life among her crew, who survived by sheltering aboard a nearby stranded brig also named Olive Richmond.
Final Disposition
Final Disposition
The Olive Richmond was swept ashore in gale-force winds and remained stuck against the breakwater until her timbers failed, resulting in her breaking apart over multiple days.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Current Condition & Accessibility
The current condition of the wreck is unknown, and accessibility may be limited due to its location on the Cleveland breakwater.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”olive-richmond-1842″ title=”References & Links”]
Closing Summary
The wreck of the Olive Richmond serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by vessels navigating the Great Lakes in the 19th century. Her story highlights the importance of understanding maritime history and the challenges posed by sudden storms.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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