IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

•Vessel Name: Illinois

•Type: Propeller Freight Steamer

•Location: Near Point Pelee Light, Lake Erie

•Coordinates: Not specified

•Depth: Not specified

•Year Built: Not specified

•Builder: Not specified

•Hull Materials: Not specified

•Original Owner: Not specified

•Dimensions:

•Length: 182 feet (approx. 55.47 meters)

•Beam: Not specified

•Depth: Not specified

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Illinois was a propeller freight Steamer, a design widely favored for cargo transport on the Great Lakes in the mid-19th century. These vessels relied on steam-driven propellers for propulsion, making them more efficient and reliable than their sail-powered predecessors. Freight steamers like the Illinois were instrumental in moving goods such as coal, grain, and manufactured products across the Great Lakes.

HISTORY

The Illinois was actively involved in the bustling trade that characterized the Great Lakes during the mid-1800s. Unfortunately, its service was cut short in June 1865 when it collided with the Steamer Dean Richmond near the Point Pelee Light, a prominent navigation landmark on Lake Erie.

The collision proved fatal for the Illinois, causing it to sink and marking the end of its operational life. No salvage operations were reported following the wreck, leaving its remains to rest at the bottom of Lake Erie.

FINAL DISPOSITION

•Date of Loss: June 1865

•Cause of Loss: Collision with the Steamer Dean Richmond

•Salvage Operations: None reported

SIGNIFICANCE AND LEGACY

The sinking of the Illinois highlights the inherent dangers of navigating the Great Lakes during the 19th century. These waters were crowded with vessels of various sizes and speeds, often operating without the advanced navigation aids we take for granted today.

Collisions were a frequent and unfortunate occurrence, as vessels relied on rudimentary signaling and visual identification to avoid accidents. The loss of the Illinois serves as a reminder of the risks taken by mariners and the challenges they faced during this vibrant period of Great Lakes commerce.

While the details of the Illinois’s construction and ownership remain unclear, its story contributes to the broader narrative of maritime activity on Lake Erie. The site near Point Pelee Light remains an area of historical interest, particularly for those studying the evolution of shipping and navigation on the Great Lakes.

TAGS

#Shipwreck #FreightSteamer #Collision #PointPelee #LakeErie #MaritimeHistory

CONCLUSION

The sinking of the Illinois stands as a poignant example of the perils of maritime transportation in the 19th century. The collision with the Dean Richmond underscores the challenges faced by Great Lakes vessels during an era of rapid industrial growth and increasing maritime traffic.

Although no salvage operations were reported, the Illinois serves as a symbol of the resilience and risks associated with early Great Lakes shipping. Its story enriches the historical tapestry of Lake Erie’s maritime heritage.