Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

S. C. Walbridge (Sarah C. Walbridge) (1844)

Explore the wreck of the S. C. Walbridge, a wooden brig lost in a storm in 1866, near Cleveland, Ohio.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: S. C. Walbridge
  • Type: Wooden brig (two-masted)
  • Year Built: 1844
  • Builder: Hewett, Conneaut, Ohio
  • Dimensions: Approx. 105 ft (32.0 m) × 24 ft (7.3 m) × 10 ft (3.0 m)
  • Registered Tonnage: Approx. 237 tons
  • Location: ~15 miles east of Cleveland, Lake Erie
  • Coordinates: Unknown (near Gull Island Shoal)
  • Official Number: Unknown
  • Original Owners: Capt. J. R. Scott, Detroit
  • Number of Masts: 2

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Wooden brig (two-masted) used primarily for cargo transport.

Description

The S. C. Walbridge was a wooden brig built in 1844, measuring approximately 105 feet in length. It was primarily engaged in the timber trade across Lake Erie.

History

Constructed by Hewett in Conneaut, Ohio, the S. C. Walbridge was involved in the 19th-century timber trade. The vessel underwent rebuilds in 1859 and 1863, reflecting the common practice of maintaining wooden vessels during that era.

Significant Incidents

  • Caught in a severe gale on June 18, 1866, leading to grounding and hull puncture.
  • Captain McAdam and crew abandoned the vessel, reaching safety on Gull Island.

Final Disposition

Declared a total loss with no salvage reported. The vessel was presumed broken and scattered after grounding.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck site is presumed to be nearshore remains or scattered debris, with no confirmed discovery of the wreck.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”s-c-walbridge-sarah-c-walbridge-1844″ title=”References & Links”]

The loss of the S. C. Walbridge highlights the risks faced by wooden vessels in Great Lakes storms and contributes to the historical understanding of maritime hazards in 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.

Identification Card (Site Style)

Name: S. C. Walbridge
Other Names: None known
Official Number: Unknown
Registry: United States
Vessel Type: Wooden brig (two-masted)
Builder: Hewett, Conneaut, Ohio
Year Built: 1844
Dimensions: Approx. 105 ft (32.0 m) × 24 ft (7.3 m) × 10 ft (3.0 m)
Tonnage: Approx. 237 tons
Cargo on Final Voyage: Lumber
Date of Loss: 18 June 1866
Location: ~15 miles east of Cleveland, Lake Erie
Coordinates: Unknown (near Gull Island Shoal)
Depth: Unknown (wreck likely nearshore remains or scattered)
Home Port: Cleveland, Ohio
Owners: Capt. J. R. Scott, Detroit
Crew: Unknown exact number
Casualties: None reported

Cause of Loss

Caught in a severe gale on June 18, 1866, the S. C. Walbridge was driven ashore east of Cleveland. Heavy waves and shifting cargo punctured the hull. Captain McAdam and crew abandoned the brig, reaching Gull Island by small boat with aid from local fishermen.

Final Disposition & Aftermath

Declared a total loss with no salvage reported. Vessel had been rebuilt in 1859 and 1863. Owned at time of loss by Capt. J. R. Scott of Detroit.

Historical Context & Significance

The S. C. Walbridge represents the numerous wooden brigs involved in 19th-century timber trade across Lake Erie. Her loss underlines the vulnerability of small cargo sailcraft to weather extremes. The crew’s survival speaks to the effectiveness of abandonment procedures.

Resources & Links

References

  • David Swayze, Great Lakes Shipwreck File – Vessel entry: S. C. Walbridge
  • Alchem Inc., Erie-Ashtabula Shipwrecks – entry confirms gale loss

Research Gaps & Next Steps

  • Search 1866 Cleveland newspapers for coverage
  • Query U.S. Revenue Cutter records for any incident logs
  • Conduct sonar or diver reconnaissance near Gull Island Shoal
  • Investigate lumber trade links through port and insurance archives

Conclusion

The S. C. Walbridge was a mid-19th-century wooden brig lost during a June 1866 storm. Though all crew survived, the event illustrates the risks of wooden vessels in Great Lakes storms and adds to our historical understanding of regional shipping hazards.

NOAA/WHS Shipwreck Record Card

Wreck Name: S. C. Walbridge
Other Names: None
Official Number: Unknown
Coordinates: Unknown (east of Cleveland, near Gull Island area)
Depth: Not determined
Location Description: East of Cleveland, Lake Erie
Vessel Type: Wooden brig
Material: Wood
Dimensions: Approx. 105 ft × 24 ft × 10 ft; ~237 tons
Condition: Total loss; presumed broken and scattered
Cause of Loss: Storm-driven grounding and hull breach
Discovery Date: Not located
Discovered By: Not applicable
Method: Not applicable
Legal Notes: Not protected or designated
Hazards: None known
Permits Required: Not applicable

Keywords

#SCWalbridge #LakeErieShipwreck #Brig #19thCenturyShipping #LumberTrade #ClevelandMaritime

s-c-walbridge-sarah-c-walbridge-1844 1866-06-18 13:59:00