Identification & Site Information

• Name: America
• Former Names: None
• Official Number: 373
• Date Built and Launched: 1853
• Builder: G. Thayer, Ashtabula, Ohio
• Vessel Type: Wooden Schooner
• Hull Material: Wood
• Measurements:
• Tonnage: 118 tons
• Date Lost: August 8, 1866
• Place of Loss: Mid-lake off Waukegan, Lake Michigan (approximately 25 miles out of Chicago)
• Lake: Lake Michigan
• Type of Loss: Storm (capsizing)
• Loss of Life: None
• Cargo at Time of Loss: Lumber

Vessel Type & Description

The America was a wooden Schooner built in 1853 by G. Thayer in Ashtabula, Ohio. With a tonnage of 118 tons, she was designed for transporting bulk cargo, particularly lumber, which was a key commodity in Great Lakes commerce during the mid-19th century.

Like many schooners of her time, the America operated extensively between ports as Chicago, Milwaukee, and Ashtabula, supporting the rapidly expanding urban centers around Lake Michigan.

History

The America served for over a decade as part of the Great Lakes lumber trade, carrying timber from northern Michigan and Wisconsin forests to the growing cities along the southern shores of Lake Michigan. Her routes included regular stops at ports as Chicago, Waukegan, and Milwaukee.

Final Voyage & Loss

On August 8, 1866, while carrying a load of lumber, the America encountered a severe storm approximately 25 miles out of Chicago, in mid-lake near Waukegan, Illinois. The storm caused the Schooner to capsize, trapping part of the crew, a woman passenger, and her child below Deck.

Rescue Effort

The Schooner Eliza Logan was passing nearby and noticed the America’s distress. The crew of the Eliza Logan performed a heroic rescue, managing to:

• Save those clinging to the upturned Hull of the America.
• Cut a hole through the Schooner’s bottom (now facing upwards) to free those trapped inside, including the woman and her child.

Aftermath

Following the rescue, the America was towed back to shore. It’s uncertain whether she was repaired and returned to service or declared a Total Loss at that time.

Possible Later Loss

Records suggest that the America might have been the Schooner out of Chicago reported lost on September 17, 1868, in Lake Michigan. If the vessel was indeed salvaged after her 1866 capsizing, she likely returned to service for a short period before meeting her final fate two years later.

Final Disposition

The America was capsized and later towed in after her 1866 incident. It is unclear whether she was repaired or ultimately lost in 1868.

Located By & Date Found:

There is no confirmed modern discovery of the America’s wreck. The mid-lake area off Waukegan contains numerous wrecks, and she may be among unidentified remains in the region.

NOTMARs & Advisories:

Mariners are advised to exercise caution in mid-lake regions of Lake Michigan, where sudden storms and high winds are common.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Great Lakes Vessels Database – BGSU
• Michigan Shipwreck Research Association
• Edward J. Dowling Collection, University of Detroit – Mercy

Conclusion

The America‘s capsizing in 1866 near Waukegan highlights the perils of Great Lakes navigation, particularly for lumber schooners vulnerable to sudden storms. The dramatic rescue by the Schooner Eliza Logan saved all aboard, including a woman and her child trapped below Deck. While it’s uncertain whether the America returned to service or was finally lost in 1868, her story remains a testament to both the dangers and the heroic efforts that characterized Great Lakes maritime history.

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Keywords: America, Lake Michigan Schooner, Waukegan Shipwreck, Lumber Trade, Great Lakes Rescue

Categories: Great Lakes Schooners, Lake Michigan Shipwrecks, Maritime Rescues

Glossary Terms: Capsizing, Lumber Schooner, Maritime Rescue, Total Loss, Great Lakes Storms