IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Name: Chicago

• Vessel Type: Propeller Steamship

• Built: 1842, Oswego, New York

• Dimensions:

• Length: 95 feet

• Beam: 20 feet 2 inches

• Tonnage: 151 tons

• Home Port: Buffalo, NY

• Service Area: Great Lakes, primarily Lakes Erie, Huron, and Michigan

• Primary Use: Passenger and cargo transportation

• Final Disposition: Destroyed by fire in Buffalo Harbor on August 1, 1849

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Chicago was an early screw-propelled Steamship, a groundbreaking advancement in 19th-century maritime technology. Unlike sidewheel steamers, propeller-driven vessels like the Chicago offered improved efficiency and maneuverability. These ships were pivotal in revolutionizing maritime commerce on the Great Lakes, accommodating both passenger and cargo services while navigating challenging waters.

HISTORY

A Promising Start

Launched in 1842 by the New York, Oswego & Chicago Line, the Chicago quickly distinguished itself as the second screw-propelled Steamship to operate on the Upper Great Lakes. Built in Oswego, New York, the vessel’s innovative propulsion system represented the cutting edge of maritime engineering at the time.

On June 8, 1842, the Chicago embarked on its maiden voyage, showcasing remarkable speed and reliability. On one notable journey, the vessel covered 22 miles in just 2 hours and 45 minutes, a testament to its advanced design and propulsion system.

Navigating Challenges

While the Chicago performed admirably, it was not immune to the risks inherent in early Steamship travel. In November 1843, the ship struck a reef near Mackinac, an incident that underscored the hazards of navigating the Great Lakes’ unpredictable and often treacherous waters.

The Fateful Fire

The Chicago’s promising career came to a devastating end on the morning of August 1, 1849, in Buffalo Harbor. A fire, believed to have originated in the cook stove, rapidly engulfed the wooden vessel. Despite the crew’s best efforts, the flames spread uncontrollably, consuming the ship down to the waterline.

The financial impact of the disaster was substantial. Owned by Weed & Co. of Buffalo and Armstrong of Detroit, the Chicago was valued between $8,000 and $10,000, but insurance covered only $6,000. Thankfully, no lives were lost in the incident, but the Chicago was declared a Total Loss, marking the end of her pioneering role in Great Lakes navigation.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The Chicago was completely destroyed by fire in Buffalo Harbor, leaving no salvageable remains. The vessel burned to the waterline, and her loss served as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities of wooden steamships in the 19th century.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the Chicago. The remains of the vessel, if any, are unlikely to exist due to the extent of the destruction and the passage of time.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The Chicago was destroyed in Buffalo Harbor in 1849, and there are no documented efforts to locate or salvage her remains. The vessel’s story is preserved through historical accounts rather than physical artifacts.

RESOURCES & LINKS

David Swayze Shipwreck File

Great Lakes Ships

Maritime History of the Great Lakes

CONCLUSION

The propeller Steamship Chicago was a pioneering vessel that symbolized the transition to more efficient steam propulsion on the Great Lakes. From her construction in 1842 to her fiery demise in 1849, the Chicago’s career illustrated both the potential and the perils of early steam navigation. Her destruction in Buffalo Harbor remains a poignant chapter in maritime history, emphasizing the challenges faced by early steamships and the resilience of their crews.

While her physical remains may be lost to time, the legacy of the Chicago endures as a testament to the innovation and determination that characterized the era of Great Lakes exploration and commerce.

KEYWORDS

Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Maritime History, Propeller Steamship, Lake Erie, Buffalo Harbor, 19th Century Shipping, Oswego NY, Steamship Disasters, Wooden Steamships, Fire at Sea