Identification & Site Information

  • Name: Robert Fulton
  • Former Names: None
  • Official Number: None
  • Date Built and Launched: 1835
  • Builder: Fairbanks Church, Cleveland, Ohio
  • Specifications: 139 ft (42.37 m) length x 26 ft (7.92 m) beam x 10 ft (3.05 m) depth; 368 tons
  • Date Lost: October 25, 1844
  • Place of Loss: Approximately 14 miles (22.53 km) east of Dunkirk, near Evans, New York
  • Lake: Lake Erie

Vessel Type

Sidewheel Steamer – wooden-hulled, designed for passenger and package freight transport.

Description

The Robert Fulton was a wooden sidewheel Steamer constructed in 1835 by Fairbanks Church in Cleveland, Ohio. Measuring 139 feet in length with a tonnage of 368, she was designed primarily for the transportation of general merchandise across the Great Lakes, with limited passenger accommodations. Along with her near-twin, the DeWitt Clinton, the Robert Fulton was among the first lake steamers built primarily as freighters, marking a significant development in the evolution of Great Lakes shipping.

History

Launched in 1835, the Robert Fulton served as a vital link in the burgeoning trade network of the Great Lakes, transporting goods and passengers between key ports. Her construction represented a shift towards specialized freight steamers, reflecting the growing commercial demands of the region during the mid-19th century.

Final Disposition

On October 25, 1844, the Robert Fulton encountered a severe gale on Lake Erie. Battling tumultuous waves and fierce winds, the vessel was driven onto the rocks approximately 14 miles east of Dunkirk, near Evans, New York. The relentless pounding of the storm caused the Steamer to break apart, resulting in the tragic loss of four lives. At the time of the disaster, she was carrying a cargo of general merchandise. The loss of the Robert Fulton underscored the perils faced by early Great Lakes mariners and highlighted the need for advancements in ship design and weather forecasting.

Located By & Date Found

Nil return. There is no confirmed discovery of the Robert Fulton wreck site to date.

NOTMARs & Advisories

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

Resources & Links

Conclusion

The Robert Fulton‘s demise serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by early steam-powered vessels navigating the unpredictable waters of the Great Lakes. Her loss contributed to the evolving understanding of maritime safety and the necessity for improved shipbuilding practices to withstand the region’s often harsh conditions.

Suggested Keywords: Robert Fulton Steamer, Lake Erie shipwreck, 1844 maritime disaster, Evans NY shipwreck, Great Lakes Steamship history

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

Glossary Terms:

  • Sidewheel Steamer: A steam-powered vessel propelled by paddle wheels mounted on either side of the Hull.
  • Gale: A strong wind, typically used in maritime contexts to describe wind speeds between 34 and 40 knots (39 to 46 mph or 63 to 74 km/h), capable of producing high waves and challenging navigation conditions.