Identification & Site Information

  • Name: Governor Marcy
  • Former Names: None
  • Official Number: None
  • Date Built and Launched: 1834
  • Builder: Black Rock (Buffalo), New York
  • Specifications: 125 ft (38.1 m) length; 19 ft (5.79 m) beam; 7 ft (2.13 m) depth; 162 tons
  • Date Lost: June 4, 1847
  • Place of Loss: Below Van Buren Point, near Dunkirk, New York
  • Lake: Lake Erie

Vessel Type

Wooden sidewheel Steamer.

Description

The Governor Marcy was a wooden sidewheel Steamer constructed in 1834 at Black Rock, now part of Buffalo, New York. Measuring 125 feet in length with a beam of 19 feet and a depth of 7 feet, she had a Gross Tonnage of 162 tons. Sidewheel steamers of this era were characterized by large paddle wheels mounted on either side of the vessel, powered by steam engines, and were commonly used for passenger and package freight transport across the Great Lakes.

History

Launched in 1834, the Governor Marcy operated primarily on Lake Erie, providing transportation services between various ports. In 1844, she underwent a significant Rebuild in Detroit, Michigan, which likely involved structural repairs and mechanical upgrades to extend her service life. The vessel played a role in the burgeoning maritime commerce of the Great Lakes during the mid-19th century, facilitating the movement of goods and passengers in the region.

Final Disposition

On June 4, 1847, while en route from Erie, Pennsylvania, to Buffalo, New York, the Governor Marcy encountered a severe gale near Van Buren Point, close to Dunkirk, New York. The storm caused the vessel to strand and ultimately wreck along the shoreline. Despite the vessel’s destruction, there were no reported casualties among those aboard. The incident underscores the challenges faced by early steamers navigating the unpredictable and often treacherous conditions of the Great Lakes.

Located By & Date Found

Nil return. There is no confirmed discovery of the Governor Marcy wreck site to date.

NOTMARs & Advisories

None reported. No Navigation Hazards or current advisories are associated with this site.

Resources & Links

Conclusion

The loss of the Governor Marcy highlights the perils faced by early Great Lakes mariners and the vulnerabilities of wooden steamers to severe weather conditions. While the vessel’s service was relatively short-lived, her story contributes to the rich tapestry of maritime history in the region, reflecting both the advancements and challenges of 19th-century lake navigation.

Suggested Keywords: Governor Marcy Steamer, Lake Erie shipwreck, 1847 maritime incident, Dunkirk NY shipwreck, Great Lakes sidewheel Steamer history

Categories: Shipwrecks of Lake Erie, 19th Century Maritime Disasters, Sidewheel Steamer Accidents

Glossary Terms:

  • Sidewheel Steamer: A steam-powered vessel equipped with large paddle wheels mounted on either side, used primarily during the 19th century for passenger and freight transport.
  • Stranding: The running aground of a vessel on a shore or reef, often leading to damage or loss.
  • Gross Tonnage: A measure of the overall internal volume of a vessel, used to determine its size and cargo capacity.