First Ward in Buffalo in Erie County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Buffalo Lightship

Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, June 3, 2015

1. Buffalo Lightship Marker

Inscription.
Hurricane-force winds screamed across the Great Lakes on Nov. 9 and 10, 1913, in a storm that claimed more than 250 lives and sank a dozen ships- including Light Vessel 82, one of a series of Buffalo lightships.

L.V. 82 was on station 13 miles southwest of Buffalo when the storm hit; the vessel was lost with all hands, apparently overwhelmed by the fury of high winds and breaking waves. The ship was located a year later, two miles from the Lightship Station, and was raised and returned to service.

Lost in the storm were Capt. Hugh M. Williams, Michigan; Mate Andrew Leahy, Ohio; Engineer Charles Butler, Buffalo; Assistant Engineer Cornelius Leahy, Ohio; Seaman William Jensen, Michigan; and Cook Peter Mackey, Buffalo. Only Butler's body was ever found.

Wreckage began washing ashore at the foot of Michigan Avenue after the storm. Included was a piece of wood identified as part of L.V. 82 and bearing a penciled message from the Captain to his wife: "Goodbye, Nellie, the ship is breaking up fast. Williams."

Erected by Buffalo Lighthouse Association.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Lighthouses series list. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1848.

Location. 42°

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52.661′ N, 78° 53.399′ W. Marker is in Buffalo, New York, in Erie County. It is in the First Ward. Marker can be reached from Fuhrmann Boulevard, 1.3 miles north of The Skyway (New York State Route 5). Marker is near the 1833 Buffalo Lighthouse, which is at the end of the gated Coast Guard walkway, open 10A to sunset. The walkway begins at the north terminus of Fuhrmann Boulevard. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1 Fuhrman Boulevard, Buffalo NY 14203, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Buffalo Main & Harbor Lights (a few steps from this marker); Buffalo Water Intake, Horseshoe Reef Light (a few steps from this marker); Buffalo Harbor (within shouting distance of this marker); The 1833 Buffalo Lighthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); International Shipmasters' Association (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Penobscot-Morania Collision (about 600 feet away); The Lifeboat Station (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Coast Guard (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Buffalo.

Also see . . .
1. Lightship Vessel 82 Memorial. U.S. Coast Guard Lightship Sailors Association International website entry (Submitted on July 7, 2015, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York.)

2. Buffalo’s “White Hurricane” and the Final Hours of Light Vessel 82

Buffalo Lightship Marker & Lake Erie image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, June 3, 2015

2. Buffalo Lightship Marker & Lake Erie

. The Maritime Executive website entry (Submitted on January 2, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)

Buffalo Lightship Marker & 1833 Lighthouse image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, June 3, 2015

3. Buffalo Lightship Marker & 1833 Lighthouse

Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 7, 2015, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York. This page has been viewed 681 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 7, 2015, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York.