Unnamed Dump Barge Shipwreck
Identification & Site Information
• Official Wreck Number: Not assigned.
• Wreck Location:
• Near the entrance to the Cuyahoga River, outside the East Breakwall in Cleveland, Ohio, Lake Erie.
• Oriented on a Northeast-Southwest line.
Vessel Details
• Type of Ship at Loss: Dump Barge
• Hull Material: Wood
• Dimensions: Unknown (pending further research).
• Cargo at Loss: A mixture of fire bricks, masonry, and stone, potentially related to construction or industrial materials.
Site Description
The wreck lies in a fragmented state but provides clear indications of its structure and cargo:
• The bow and Stern are indistinguishable due to extensive damage.
• The wooden structure contains eight evenly spaced holds, which are filled with bricks and stones.
• Blocks and pipe along the vessel’s sides suggest the Barge was equipped for offloading heavy material, a typical feature of dump barges.
• The northeast end of the wreck is missing its exterior Bulkhead, indicating additional degradation or impact damage.
• Around the wreck are fire bricks, many of which are stamped with company names:
• Savage: Likely from Mount Savage, Maryland, which started producing fire bricks in 1841.
• Whitacre-Greer: A company from Ohio, founded in 1916.
• Green: Likely AP Green, based in Missouri, established in 1915.
• The presence of Whitacre-Greer bricks provides a terminus post quem for the wreck: the Barge could not have sunk before 1916.
Final Disposition
• Date of Loss: After 1916 (exact date unknown).
• Cause of Sinking: Undetermined. Current research suggests it may have been related to its function as a construction Barge.
• Cargo Notes: The bricks and stone carried may have been destined for breakwall construction or industrial purposes in the Cleveland area.
Historical Context
Dump barges were commonly used on the Great Lakes to transport heavy industrial materials such as stone, bricks, and construction debris for projects like:
• Breakwall construction and repair: The East Breakwall itself could have been the intended site for this Barge’s cargo.
• Harbour expansion projects: Cleveland’s port was a bustling industrial hub during the early 20th century, requiring significant infrastructure.
• Fireproofing and refractory materials: The fire bricks suggest connections to industrial operations, including steel production or foundries in the Great Lakes region.
The mix of manufacturers among the bricks—ranging from Maryland to Ohio and Missouri—further reflects the interconnected trade routes of the Great Lakes.
Current Research
The site is under active investigation by:
• National Museum of the Great Lakes
• Maritime Archaeological Survey Team (MAST)
These organizations are working to determine the Barge’s identity, ownership, and the circumstances of its loss. This research may involve archival searches, oral histories, and further archaeological surveys.
NOTMARs & Advisories
• Site Condition: The wreck is fragmented, with significant structural deterioration, particularly at the northeast end.
• Diving Hazards: Navigational traffic near the Cuyahoga River entrance and Visibility challenges may complicate exploration.
Resources & Links
To follow ongoing research or learn more about the wreck, visit:
• National Museum of the Great Lakes
• Maritime Archaeological Survey Team (MAST)
Conclusion
This unnamed dump Barge offers a fascinating glimpse into the industrial history of the Great Lakes, specifically the role of barges in regional construction and trade. The site’s mix of fire bricks and stone suggests connections to major 20th-century infrastructure projects. While the wreck’s identity remains elusive, ongoing research promises to shed more light on its story.