Identification & Site Information

  • Vessel Name: Constitution
  • Vessel Type: Sidewheel Steamer
  • Year Built: 1837
  • Builder: G.W. Jones, Charleston, Ohio
  • Dimensions:
    • Length: 141 feet (43 meters)
    • Beam: 28 feet (8.5 meters)
    • Depth: 12 feet (3.7 meters)
  • Final Resting Place: Sandusky Harbor, Ohio, Lake Erie
  • Date of Incident: July 24, 1847
  • Cause of Sinking: Collision with a pier during a severe gale

Vessel Type Description

The Constitution was a wooden sidewheel Steamer, designed for passenger and freight service on the Great Lakes. Vessels of this type were vital during the mid-19th century, facilitating commerce and transportation in a rapidly expanding industrial region. Its Paddlewheel propulsion system was a hallmark of Great Lakes steamers, allowing for reliable navigation on the vast inland waterways.

History

Construction and Service Life:

Launched in 1837, the Constitution was initially intended for passenger and freight services on Lake Erie. Over its decade-long career, it changed ownership multiple times and underwent several repairs, reflecting the challenging conditions faced by vessels on the Great Lakes.

Notable Incident in 1837:

In October 1837, during a fierce gale on Lake Erie, the Constitution faced imminent disaster. Captain Appleton ordered the engineer to increase steam pressure to guide the vessel away from a dangerous reef. Despite the boilers already being at maximum capacity, the engineer took extraordinary measures. Using barrels of oil to generate additional steam rapidly, he sat on the safety-valve lever to manually control the pressure. This courageous act steered the vessel to safety, saving all on board.

The incident became a celebrated example of maritime heroism, showcasing the ingenuity and bravery of those who worked behind the scenes on Great Lakes vessels.

Final Incident and Sinking:

On July 24, 1847, the Constitution met its tragic end. During a severe gale, the Steamer collided with a pier in the harbor at Sandusky, Ohio. The collision created a large breach in the bow, causing the vessel to sink rapidly. Efforts to salvage the vessel were initiated, but its career effectively ended with this incident.

Final Disposition

• The Constitution sank in Sandusky Harbor, Ohio, after colliding with a pier during a gale.

• Although salvage attempts were made, the vessel was declared a Total Loss.

• The exact extent of its remaining wreckage is unknown, but it is presumed to have been dismantled or lost over time.

Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) & Advisories

• Current Notices: None specific to the Constitution wreck site.

• Mariners navigating near Sandusky Harbor should consult local advisories for any submerged hazards related to historical wrecks.

Legacy

The Constitution’s story is emblematic of the risks faced by 19th-century mariners on the Great Lakes. Its 1837 incident remains a testament to the bravery and ingenuity of maritime engineers, who often worked under extreme conditions to ensure the safety of passengers and crew. The vessel’s ultimate loss in 1847 highlights the unpredictability of Lake Erie’s treacherous waters and the hazards faced by even the most resilient vessels of the time.

Conclusion

The Steamboat Constitution holds a prominent place in the history of Great Lakes navigation, not only for its tragic end but for the heroism displayed during its service. The actions of the unnamed engineer in 1837 illustrate the extraordinary courage required to navigate the Great Lakes, particularly during the mid-19th century when technological limitations left mariners vulnerable to the elements. Although the vessel now rests in obscurity, its story endures as a powerful reminder of the perils and triumphs of Great Lakes shipping.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Historical Database

• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Comprehensive shipwreck archives for Great Lakes vessels.

• Bowling Green State University Archives: Maritime historical documents.

• Sandusky Historical Society: Local records of maritime activities in the Sandusky region.

Keywords

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