As one of the busiest inland waterways in the world, Lake Erie is often likened to a shipwreck graveyard in the Great Lakes region.
Although it is the second smallest in the Great Lakes system, the number of shipwrecks in Lake Erie may reach up to 2,500, according to estimates by some archaeologists and historians. To date, researchers have only discovered and identified 277 vessels. However, the list is continuously updated as underwater explorers conduct searches both above and below the water.
Divers examining a shipwreck at the bottom of the lake. (Photo: Garret Ellison).
Lake Erie became an important transportation route in North America in the 18th century. The lake spans from western New York to northern Ohio and southern Michigan, providing a quick waterway for traders and explorers. Most likely, the majority of the vessels that sank in Lake Erie occurred in the 17th and 18th centuries. However, these ships were relatively small, making it very difficult for divers today to locate them. As a result, exploration and restoration efforts have focused on shipwrecks from the 19th and 20th centuries.
The most famous shipwreck discovery in Lake Erie occurred six years ago. The Great Lakes Museum in Toledo, Ohio, announced the discovery of a ship that had been lost 186 years prior. In September 1829, the 14-meter-long vessel named Lake Serpent departed from Cleveland heading to Cunningham Island, 88 kilometers away. After loading limestone, the ship set out to return to Cleveland but unexpectedly encountered a storm and sank along the way.
Another hotspot for underwater archaeologists exploring Lake Erie is Manitou Passage, a waterway located near Traverse City, Michigan. In the 19th century, this treacherous route claimed the lives of many sailors on lumber vessels between ports.
Lake Erie was a significant battlefield during the War of 1812. Some scattered shipwrecks at the bottom of the lake are warships that were sunk during this period. Urbanization along the lake’s shore contributed to increased commercial activities and fishing in the 19th century, leading to a surge in the number of shipwrecks. Many vessels were lost due to large waves during sudden storms in the Great Lakes region.
Archaeologists estimate that approximately 80% of the shipwrecks in Lake Erie remain in the underwater graveyard. The wrecks are often located relatively close to the water’s surface due to the lake’s shallow nature. While they are easily detectable from the surface or viewed from above, these ships also suffer from greater erosion due to large waves and warm water temperatures.
