Identification & Site Information

Vessel Type

A late‑19th‑century wooden‑hulled bulk freighter (“laker”), built for commodified transport (coal, grain). It featured dual‑Deck construction, oak framing, and boiler‑powered steam machinery typical of its era (maritimestudies.ecu.edu).

Description

The Philip D. Armour boasted a sturdy oak superstructure and straight‑decker profile, with a pilothouse forward and the engine room aft. It carried large, evenly spaced hatches for manual and gravity-fed loading/unloading.

History

Delivered in 1889, she joined the “White Fleet” under R. P. Fitzgerald. Early in her career, she collided with the Steamer Marion in the St. Clair River in April 1889, sank, but was salvaged and returned to service. By 1907, ownership passed to Pittsburgh & Erie Coal Co., and she was laid up in 1914 in Misery Bay due to outdated machinery. Converted to a tow Barge in 1915, she was chartered by John J. Boland of Buffalo. Under tow by Tug Henry E. Gillen, she broke loose on November 15, 1915, struck a reef near Waldamere Park, and sank. Fortunately, no lives were lost, but the vessel and coal cargo were total losses (en.wikipedia.org).

Final Disposition

The wreck broke apart on the shallow reef. While some sections remain on the reef, scattered debris likely drifted/collapsed into deeper water over time. The site is accessible to divers but poses hazards due to debris and shallow depth.

Located By & Date Found

Documented immediately following sinking in November 1915. The site has moderate recognition among local divers and historians but lacks an official archaeological survey or formal recovery/excavation.

Note Marks & Advisories

No official NOTMARs or Notices to Mariners are listed for this site, but the shallow depth (≈ 30 ft/9 m) and scattered wreckage represent a hazard to divers and small craft navigating nearby. Divers are advised to use caution.

Resources & Links

Conclusion

The Philip D. Armour is a well‑documented example of late‑19th‑century wooden bulk freighters on the Great Lakes. Converted to a Barge due to obsolescence, her 1915 wreckage off Pennsylvania offers insight into commercial freight, maritime practices, and navigational risks of the era. The site holds both historical and recreational diving value.

Suggested Keywords, Categories & Glossary

Include: #PhilipDArmour #LakeErieWreck #WoodenBulkFreighter #TowBarge #GreatLakesMaritimeHistory #NoviceDive #ReefWreck
Glossary Terms: straight-decker, Barge Conversion, compound engine, Firebox Boiler, NOTMAR, reef obstruction.

Shore Dive Information

This wreck is a shore-accessible dive site:

  • Shore Access Location: Adjacent to Waldamere Park, Erie, Pennsylvania. Parking available at the park lot.
  • Entry Type: From rocky shoreline or small launch; no infrastructure.
  • Depth Range: 9–30 m (30–100 ft)
  • Current & Conditions: Lake Erie near shore; variable currents/wind chop; Visibility moderate (3–10 m), thermocline present midsummer.
  • Points of Interest: Oak structural fragments, steam boiler remains, scattered Deck materials; potential vertical drop-off. Hazards include sharp debris and entanglement on reef.
  • Skill Level: Intermediate—shallow but debris and Visibility require experience.
  • Safety & Emergency Info:
    • Nearest hyperbaric chamber: UPMC Hamot Hospital, Erie PA (~10 km)
    • In-water emergency: Call US Coast Guard Sector Buffalo at +1 (716) 843‑9542 and Erie PA 911
  • Nearest known 911 address: Waldamere Park, 510 Waldamere Ave, Erie, PA 16505, USA
  • Local Regulations: No permit required for recreational dive; compliance with PA state fishing/diving regulations.
  • Best Time to Dive: June–September; avoid high wind conditions.
  • Driving Directions: From I‑79 and I‑90, take exit 192 to PA‑5W (W Lake Rd) to Waldamere Ave.
  • Additional Resources: PASST dive log (Passt dive June 2016), local dive shops: Erie Freedivers, Presque Isle Scuba. PASST video available on YouTube (youtube.com).

Resources & Links