Identification & Site Information

• Name: Albany
• Registry Number: Not available
• Date Built and Launched: 1846
• Measurements: Length: 202 feet (61.6 metres) Width: 29 feet (8.8 metres) Depth: 11.7 feet (3.6 metres)
• Date Lost: November 26, 1853
• Sidewheel Steamer

Description

The Albany was a wooden-hulled Sidewheel Steamer constructed in 1846 by C.L. Gager in Detroit, Michigan. As a prominent passenger and freight vessel, it played a crucial role in transporting settlers and goods across the Great Lakes during the mid-19th century.

History

By the 1840s, the Great Lakes had become vital corridors for westward expansion in North America. Steamers like the Albany were instrumental in ferrying thousands of settlers from eastern hubs such as Buffalo, New York, to burgeoning cities including Cleveland, Detroit, Milwaukee, and Chicago. The Albany was known for its speed and reliability, catering to the increasing demand for transportation and commerce in the region.

Final Disposition

On November 26, 1853, while navigating Lake Huron, the Albany encountered a severe gale. Attempting to seek refuge in Presque Isle Harbor, the vessel was driven ashore by the storm. Despite the harrowing conditions, nearly 200 passengers and crew survived the night and were rescued by local boats the following day. Subsequent salvage efforts, combined with the harsh winter ice and storms, led to the disintegration of the wooden ship.

Located By & Date Found

Today, remnants of the Albany rest in shallow waters, approximately 5 feet (1.5 metres) deep, less than two miles from shore in Albany Bay—a location named in honor of the wreck. A seasonal mooring buoy marks a 100-foot (30.5 metres) section of the vessel’s lower Hull, providing access for paddlers, snorkelers, and divers.

NOTMARs & Advisories

The wreck site is marked by a seasonal mooring buoy. Visitors should exercise caution due to potential underwater hazards and adhere to preservation guidelines to protect the historical integrity of the site.

Resources & Links

• Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary: Albany:
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Great Lakes Maritime Collection: Albany (1846): 
• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• 3DShipwrecks.org – Albany

Conclusion

The Albany stands as a testament to the pivotal role of sidewheel steamers in the expansion and development of the Great Lakes region during the 19th century. Its remains offer a tangible connection to this transformative era in North American history.

Keywords: Albany Steamer, Lake Huron shipwrecks, 19th-century Great Lakes vessels, maritime history, underwater archaeology

Categories: Shipwrecks of Lake Huron, Great Lakes Maritime History, 19th-Century Steamers

Glossary Terms:

• Sidewheel Steamer: A steam-powered vessel propelled by large paddle wheels mounted on either side.
• Presque Isle Harbor: A natural harbour located on Lake Huron, known for its historical significance in maritime navigation.
• Mooring Buoy: A floating device anchored to the sea floor, used to mark locations and provide tie-off points for vess
• Albany Shipwreck. Lake Huron, near Presque Isle, MI. The remains of the Sidewheel Steamer Albany, which sank in 1853, lie in shallow waters less than two miles from shore in Albany Bay.

3D Model

Albany by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab