Troy (1845)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Troy
• Type: Wooden sidewheel steamer (passenger & package freight)
• Year Built: 1845
• Builder: F.N. Jones, Maumee, Ohio
• Dimensions: Length: 182 ft (55.5 m); Beam: 28 ft (8.5 m); Depth of hold: 11 ft (3.4 m)
• Registered Tonnage: 546 GT (old measurement system)
• Location: Off Goderich, Ontario, Lake Huron
• Official Number: None (pre-1869 U.S. vessel documentation era)
• Original Owners: Buffalo & Lake Huron Railroad

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Troy was a wooden-hulled sidewheel steamer, designed for passenger and package freight transport.

Description

The Troy was built in 1845 by F.N. Jones in Maumee, Ohio. She operated on the Great Lakes, connecting Buffalo, Cleveland, Detroit, and Canadian ports along Lake Huron.

History

Despite being a well-built and active steamer, the Troy had a history of serious incidents before her final loss. Notably, on March 23, 1850, she suffered a catastrophic boiler explosion at Black Rock, New York, resulting in a fire that severely damaged the ship and reportedly claimed 22 lives, although some reports suggest a lower number. The vessel was recovered, rebuilt the following year, and returned to service.

Significant Incidents

• 1850 Explosion & Fire (Black Rock, NY): On March 23, 1850, the Troy suffered a catastrophic boiler explosion at Black Rock, New York, causing a fire and severe damage. 22 lives were reportedly lost, though some newspaper reports suggest the number was lower. The vessel was recovered and rebuilt the following year.

Final Disposition

• Declared a total loss after sinking.
• No known salvage attempts.
• No confirmed modern discovery of wreckage.
• No confirmed wreck site identified.
• Possible remains may exist offshore near Goderich, Ontario, in deep water.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Goderich, Ontario, was a key Great Lakes port, with many shipwrecks due to ice, storms, and shifting shore conditions. Spring freshets were common causes of vessel damage, particularly for wooden ships moored in rivers or harbors. Boiler explosions were a frequent hazard for early steamers, often leading to fire and loss of life.

Resources & Links

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The Troy was a notable early sidewheel steamer, operating for nearly 15 years before being lost to natural forces in 1860. Her boiler explosion in 1850 was a major tragedy, yet she was rebuilt and continued service for another decade. Though her final loss was less dramatic, it serves as a reminder of how unpredictable Great Lakes conditions could be, even for vessels at rest. Today, her remains have not been found, likely resting deep off Goderich, Ontario.