Pieces from Ohio lake bottom may be boat that sank in 1850

COLUMBUS (AP) — Wooden pieces believed to be part of a canal boat that sank in 1850 have been uncovered from the bottom of a central Ohio lake as crews work toward replacing its deteriorated earthen dam.

J-me Braig runs the Greater Buckeye Lake Historical Society and says she’s certain the pieces are from the Black Diamond, though that’s not officially confirmed.

According to local lore, the vessel hit an obstruction and went down along the lake’s north bank while hauling tons of coal to a mill. The crew got safely to shore.

Braig says apparent remnants of the boat were found as workers construct a stability barrier in front of the 4.1-mile dam. At nearly 180 years old, the dam has been weakened by several hundred homes and docks built into it.