Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Oxford (also known as the Tiller Wreck)
• Type: Brig (Scow Schooner)
• Year Built: 1847
• Builder: Not specified
• Dimensions: Length: 114 ft; Beam: 18 ft 10 in; Depth: 3 ft 10 in
• Registered Tonnage: 49.6 tons (old style)
• Depth at Wreck Site: 54 m / 164 ft
• Location: Lake Erie, near Sturgeon Point, New York
• Coordinates: 42° 28.855′ N, 79° 51.843′ W
• Original Owners: R. Johnson and others, Ohio City, Ohio
• Number of Masts: 2

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Oxford was a scow schooner, a flat-bottomed vessel commonly used for cargo transportation in shallow waters. Its compact design and two-mast configuration made it ideal for hauling goods like staves across the Great Lakes. Built in 1847, it served as an efficient but modest participant in the bustling trade routes of the mid-19th century.

Description

The Oxford had an active but brief operational life, reflecting the challenges and risks of maritime commerce during its time.

History

• 1847: Constructed in Ohio City, Ohio, and registered in Cleveland. Initially owned by R. Johnson and partners, it began its service transporting goods across Lake Erie.
• 1848: Operated out of Point Clinton, Ohio, focusing on cargo runs of staves.
• 1849: Ownership changed twice—first to C.C. Butts of Cleveland in May and later to L.M. Brown in July.

Significant Incidents

Final Voyage

• October 23, 1849: The Oxford sank approximately 8 miles off Sturgeon Point, New York, under unknown circumstances. Its cargo of staves was lost, but the crew managed to escape unharmed.

Final Disposition

• Date of Loss: October 23, 1849
• Cause of Loss: Unknown
• Crew: All survived
• Final Cargo: Staves

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck of the Oxford lies at a depth of 164 feet in Lake Erie, presenting a site of interest for divers and historians alike. The conditions surrounding the wreck may vary, and divers should be prepared for potential challenges.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”oxford-1847″ title=”References & Links”]

The Oxford‘s short-lived service reflects the perilous conditions of Great Lakes navigation in the mid-19th century. Its wreck, now a historical site beneath the waters of Lake Erie, serves as a testament to the resilience of early mariners and the vibrant trade networks that shaped the region’s economic history. While the cause of its sinking remains a mystery, the Oxford continues to capture the imagination of historians and divers alike.