Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Rochester
- Type: Wooden schooner
- Year Built: 1837
- Builder: Possibly in Rochester, NY or Buffalo
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Lake Erie region
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Rochester was a wooden schooner, a common vessel type used for trade and transportation on the Great Lakes during the 19th century.
Description
Built in 1837, the Rochester was part of the early schooner-era commerce on Lake Erie. The exact dimensions and specifications of the vessel remain undocumented.
History
The Rochester was enrolled in Buffalo, New York, and operated primarily in the Lake Erie region. It was officially noted as ‘wrecked’ on February 2, 1853, indicating a hull loss. However, the specific circumstances surrounding its wreck remain unrecorded.
Significant Incidents
- Listed as ‘wrecked’ without associated logs on the date of enrollment surrender, suggesting the loss occurred prior to early 1853.
- No passenger or crew casualty data is available; it is likely that the crew was led to safety or rescued, but local records may provide further clarification.
Final Disposition
The Rochester was officially declared wrecked, and its enrollment was surrendered in February 1853. The absence of detailed records leaves the exact circumstances of its loss uncertain.
Current Condition & Accessibility
As of now, the wreck site of the Rochester has not been definitively located. Further investigation and research are recommended to identify potential wreck zones.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”rochester-1837″ title=”References & Links”]
The Rochester serves as a reminder of the many undocumented vessel wrecks in the Great Lakes. Understanding its loss could enhance the maritime history of the region.
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.
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Rochester
- Built: 1837, great lakes region (possibly in Rochester, NY or Buffalo)
- Type: Wooden schooner
- Final Event: Wrecked—exact incident details unrecorded
- Enrollment Surrendered: February 2, 1853, at Buffalo, with endorsement “wrecked” (indicating official hull loss)
- Last Known Operation Area: Lake Erie region (“Erie” noted)
Incident & Final Disposition
- Listed as “wrecked” without associated logs on the date of enrollment surrender—suggests loss occurred prior to early 1853
- No passenger or crew casualty data available; likely crew led to safety or rescued—local records might clarify
Archival Gaps & Research Recommendations
- Incident Details
- Examine Buffalo Enrollment Books (1852–1853) for official loss report entries
- Review Buffalo Courier and Commercial Advertiser newspapers (Nov 1852–Feb 1853) for incident accounts
- Construction & Ownership Records
- Check U.S. Customs enrollment for build yard, hull dimensions, master, and port registry
- Record changes or ownership transfers before wreck
- Crew & Casualty Records
- Inspect crew list from enrollment and any local maritime registers
- Explore burial or missing persons records in Erie and Buffalo region
- Wreck Site Investigation
- Review navigational charts and known hazard logs for potential grounding or reef sites
- Propose side-scan sonar survey in suspected wreck zone (likely Lake Erie off Buffalo)
Significance
The Rochester is emblematic of early schooner-era commerce on Lake Erie. Its uncontextualized loss highlights the many undocumented vessel wrecks in mid-19th-century Great Lakes navigation. Locating her disappearance detail would contribute to a more complete maritime history of the region.
Suggested Next Steps
- Lodge archival inquiries with National Archives (Buffalo Customs House) on enrollment and wreck reports
- Research Buffalo-area newspapers in the relevant period
- Identify potential wreck zones using historical charts, then propose an underwater survey