Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Tioga
• Type: Steam Barge
• Year Built: 1862
• Builder: Quayle & Martin
• Dimensions: 180 ft (54.86 m); Beam: 28.16 ft; Depth of hold: 11.82 ft
• Registered Tonnage: 549 54/95 tons
• Depth at Wreck Site: 13 m / 40 ft
• Location: Point Pelee, Lake Erie
• Coordinates: N 41 53.058 W 82 35.339
• Official Number: US 24167
• Original Owners: New York & Erie Railway Co., Erie Railway Steamboat Co., Union Steamboat Co., C.C. Blodgett
• Number of Masts: None

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Tioga was a wooden-hulled steam barge originally constructed in 1862 for the New York & Erie Railway Co. Designed for the rigorous demands of transporting goods across the Great Lakes, the vessel was powered by a screw propulsion system with a powerful vertical direct-acting engine, providing it with significant horsepower for its operations. Throughout its operational life, the Tioga saw multiple ownership changes, modifications, and incidents, which culminated in its tragic demise in 1877.

Description

The Tioga was launched on April 24, 1862, in Cleveland, Ohio, and was initially operated by the New York & Erie Railway Co. as part of their fleet serving the route between Dunkirk, New York, and Sandusky, Ohio. The vessel was well-equipped for its tasks, with a powerful engine built by the Cuyahoga Steam Boiler Works, driving a single propeller. It quickly became an integral part of the Erie Railway Line, transporting goods and merchandise across the Great Lakes.

However, the Tioga‘s service was marked by several significant incidents. On May 9, 1863, a catastrophic boiler explosion occurred near Cleveland, Ohio, leading to the loss of approximately four lives. This tragic event underscored the inherent dangers faced by steam-powered vessels during this period.

Despite the setback, the Tioga continued to operate under various ownerships. By 1864, it was owned by the Erie Railway Steamboat Co., and later by the Erie Railway Line in 1868. In 1869, the Union Steamboat Co. took ownership of the vessel. The Tioga experienced ice damage on April 27, 1864, in Lake Erie, and again faced adversity when it went ashore on Niagara Reef in Lake Erie in August 1873.

In June 1876, the Tioga was modified to include a patented furnace by Thomas Murphy, which allowed it to burn cheaper coal while maintaining the same power output. This modification was part of ongoing efforts to improve the vessel’s efficiency and profitability.

In May 1877, the Tioga was purchased and rebuilt as a steam barge by C.C. Blodgett from Detroit, Michigan. This reconstruction marked the vessel’s transition into the lumber trade, where it was employed to transport timber between Saginaw, Michigan, and North Tonawanda, New York. The modifications made to the vessel during this period included structural changes to adapt it to its new role.

History

Unfortunately, the Tioga‘s career was abruptly cut short on October 5, 1877. While navigating near Grubb Reef, Point Pelee, Ontario, the vessel caught fire and was ultimately destroyed. The Tioga foundered and sank in Lake Erie, taking with it its final cargo of general merchandise. The vessel’s documents were surrendered on October 8, 1877. In 1879, Quinn Brothers purchased half of the Tioga with the intention of salvaging its engines and scrap iron, although it remains unclear if this salvage operation was fully carried out.

Significant Incidents

• May 9, 1863: Catastrophic boiler explosion near Cleveland, Ohio, resulting in approximately four fatalities.
• April 27, 1864: Ice damage in Lake Erie.
• August 1873: Went ashore on Niagara Reef in Lake Erie.

Final Disposition

• Date of Loss: October 5, 1877
• Cause of Loss: Fire and foundering
• Final Location: Near Grubb Reef, Point Pelee, Ontario, Lake Erie
• Post-Wreck: In 1879, Quinn Brothers intended to salvage parts of the vessel, but it is uncertain if this was completed.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The Tioga is located on a sand and mud bottom. There is a large boiler present, but the engine is missing. The wreck features a four-blade propeller, a capstan by the rudder, and a windlass located forward.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”tioga-us-24167″ title=”References & Links”]

The Tioga‘s history is a tale of resilience, adaptation, and tragedy. From its construction in 1862 to its untimely demise in 1877, the vessel played a vital role in the transportation of goods across the Great Lakes. Throughout its operational life, the Tioga experienced numerous challenges, including a devastating boiler explosion, grounding incidents, and ownership changes, all of which tested the vessel’s durability and the resolve of its crew.

The fire that ultimately claimed the Tioga off Point Pelee serves as a somber reminder of the perils faced by vessels during the late 19th century. Despite efforts to salvage parts of the wreck, the Tioga remains a significant chapter in the maritime history of the Great Lakes, embodying both the promise and the dangers of steam-powered transportation during this era.