Shipwreck of 1867 Bark Clough Found in Lake Erie
CLUE has worked since 2001 to locate and identify shipwrecks in Lake Erie. With support from the museum, the group conducted multiple site visits, created a detailed site map and completed historical research before formally identifying the vessel.
The wreck site is associated with the June 2024 death of CLUE founder David VanZandt. Following his passing, CLUE and the museum continued research and documentation efforts, ultimately confirming the vessel’s identity.
The Clough was built in 1867 in Lorain, Ohio. The 125-foot vessel had a breadth of 26.5 feet and was classified as a bark, with square sails on the foremast and schooner sails on the main and mizzen masts. Owned by quarry operator Baxter Clough from Amherst, Ohio, the ship hauled stone for Great Lakes commerce.
The vessel sank Sept. 15, 1868, one year after its launch, while transporting stone.
The temporary exhibit will highlight the Clough’s history and the process used to identify the wreck. It will also outline CLUE’s ongoing work to document shipwrecks in Lake Erie.
Feature photo: The wheel of the Cough was found sitting on the stern deck. Photo courtesy of Jack Papes
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