Identification & Site Information

• Name(s): Arctic
• Registry: United States
• Official Number: Not available
• Vessel Type: Sidewheel Steamer
• Year Built: 1851
• Year Sank: 1860
• Hull Material: Wood
• Engines: Walking Beam Steam Engine

Dimensions

• Length: 236 ft (72 m)
• Width: 30 ft (9.1 m)
• Depth: 12 ft (3.7 m)

Vessel History

The Arctic was a wooden Sidewheel Steamer constructed in 1851. Powered by a walking beam steam engine, the vessel was an example of the industrial and maritime advancements during the mid-19th century. However, it met its demise in 1860, sinking in Lake Superior. The vessel’s role and history reflect the importance of steam-powered vessels in regional transportation and trade during that period.

For complete historical information, visit:

• Great Lakes Maritime Database

• Marquette Underwater Preserve

Wreck Site Information

• Lake: Superior

• State/Province: Michigan

• Depth: 20 ft (6 m)

• GPS Coordinates: 46° 57.549′ N, 88° 00.0001′ W

• Site Description:

The Arctic’s wreck is scattered across three distinct sites, with the western site located on the west side of the island. Key features include:

• The Condenser sprinkler head visible at the open end of the cylinder.

• The Condenser located beneath the steam cylinder.

• Additional machinery, including what is believed to be the air pump, lies under the wooden beams.

Keywords, Categories & Glossary

• Keywords: Arctic, Sidewheel Steamer, Lake Superior, 19th Century Shipwreck, Walking Beam Engine

• Categories: Maritime History, Shipwrecks of Lake Superior, Great Lakes Steamboats

• Glossary:

• Condenser: A component of a steam engine used to condense exhaust steam back to water.

• Walking Beam: A large oscillating beam in steam engines, typical in 19th-century ships.

For further research or inquiries, feel free to ask!