Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Star
- Type: Sidewheel steamer
- Year Built: 1837
- Builder: Unknown (built at Belvidere, Clinton River, Michigan)
- Dimensions: Length 108 ft (32.9 m); Beam 18 ft (5.5 m); Depth of hold 7 ft (2.1 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 128 62/95 tons
- Location: Buffalo, NY
- Original Owners: Thomas H. Peck et al., James L. Conger, Eldridge Morse, J.M. Mead, Cullen Brown, Walter Joy et al.
- Number of Masts: 1
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Star was an early wooden-hulled, single-deck sidewheel steamer, powered by a 45-horsepower engine. Built in 1837, this vessel was among the first generation of purpose-built steamers designed for Great Lakes packet and passenger service. Her sidewheel propulsion and moderate tonnage made her ideal for short-haul routes between major ports such as Detroit, Cleveland, and Buffalo.
Description
The Star was a small but active participant in the early commercial steam trade on Lake Erie. Serving between Detroit, Cleveland, and Buffalo, she reflects the evolving role of steam propulsion in the 1830s and 1840s. Her destruction by fire while laid up in Buffalo ended a short but productive career during the pioneering age of Great Lakes steam navigation.
History
- 20 Sep 1838: Enrolled in Detroit, MI; initially owned by Jabesh M. Mead et al.
- 1839: Transferred to Conger and associates in Cleveland; registry notes two decks.
- 1840: Operated Cleveland–Buffalo passenger and cargo route under John R. St. John et al.
- 1841–42: Successive ownership under O.S. St. John of Willoughby, OH, and Walter Joy et al. of Buffalo, NY.
- Feb 1845: Burned while in winter layup in Buffalo harbor—total loss. The incident likely destroyed the vessel while docked and inactive, a not uncommon occurrence given the fire risk of early wooden steamers.
Significant Incidents
No known underwater remains exist, as the vessel burned to destruction while docked. The wreck was likely cleared from the harbor.
Final Disposition
Star was destroyed by fire during the winter of 1845 in Buffalo, NY. No casualties are recorded, and as the vessel was laid up for winter, it was unoccupied at the time. No salvage or rebuilding occurred.
Current Condition & Accessibility
None recorded.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”star-1837″ title=”References & Links”]
The Star was a small but active participant in the early commercial steam trade on Lake Erie. Serving between Detroit, Cleveland, and Buffalo, she reflects the evolving role of steam propulsion in the 1830s and 1840s. Her destruction by fire while laid up in Buffalo ended a short but productive career during the pioneering age of Great Lakes steam navigation.
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
- Vessel Name: Star
- Year Built: 1837
- Builder: Unknown (built at Belvidere, Clinton River, Michigan)
- Original Owners: Thomas H. Peck et al., Detroit, MI
- Later Owners: James L. Conger, Eldridge Morse, J.M. Mead, Cullen Brown, Walter Joy et al.
- Vessel Type: Sidewheel steamer (wooden hull)
- Final Location: Buffalo, NY, Lake Erie
- Date of Loss: February 1845
- Final Disposition: Burned at winter layup
Vessel Type Description
The Star was an early wooden-hulled, single-deck sidewheel steamer, powered by a 45-horsepower engine. Built in 1837, this vessel was among the first generation of purpose-built steamers designed for Great Lakes packet and passenger service. Her sidewheel propulsion and moderate tonnage made her ideal for short-haul routes between major ports such as Detroit, Cleveland, and Buffalo.
Technical Specifications
- Length: 108 ft (32.9 m)
- Beam: 18 ft (5.5 m)
- Depth: 7 ft (2.1 m)
- Tonnage (old style): 128 62/95 tons
- Decks: 1 (later noted as 2 decks in 1839 registry)
- Masts: 1
- Engine: 45 hp vertical beam, sidewheel propulsion
History
- 20 Sep 1838: Enrolled in Detroit, MI; initially owned by Jabesh M. Mead et al.
- 1839: Transferred to Conger and associates in Cleveland; registry notes two decks.
- 1840: Operated Cleveland–Buffalo passenger and cargo route under John R. St. John et al.
- 1841–42: Successive ownership under O.S. St. John of Willoughby, OH, and Walter Joy et al. of Buffalo, NY.
- Feb 1845: Burned while in winter layup in Buffalo harbor—total loss. The incident likely destroyed the vessel while docked and inactive, a not uncommon occurrence given the fire risk of early wooden steamers.
Final Disposition
Star was destroyed by fire during the winter of 1845 in Buffalo, NY. No casualties are recorded, and as the vessel was laid up for winter, it was unoccupied at the time. No salvage or rebuilding occurred.
Located By & Date Found
No known underwater remains exist, as the vessel burned to destruction while docked. The wreck was likely cleared from the harbor.
Notmars & Advisories
None recorded.
Conclusion
The Star was a small but active participant in the early commercial steam trade on Lake Erie. Serving between Detroit, Cleveland, and Buffalo, she reflects the evolving role of steam propulsion in the 1830s and 1840s. Her destruction by fire while laid up in Buffalo ended a short but productive career during the pioneering age of Great Lakes steam navigation.
Resources & Links
Keywords, Categories, Glossary Terms
- Keywords: Star, sidewheel steamer, Clinton River, Buffalo, early steamship, fire, Great Lakes packet boat
- Categories: Early steam navigation, wooden steamers, 19th-century shipwrecks
- Glossary: sidewheel, beam engine, packet steamer, winter layup, old style tonnage