Identification & Site Information
- • Vessel Name: Indiana
- • Type: Wooden Propeller Steamship
- • Cargo: Iron Ore
- • Date of Incident: June 1858
- • Final Location: About 40 miles above Whitefish Point, Lake Superior, approximately 10 miles from shore
- • Depth: Approximately 60 fathoms (360 feet or ~110 meters)
Vessel Type Description
The Indiana was a wooden propeller-driven Steamship, commonly used in the mid-19th century for the transportation of bulk cargo such as iron ore. Propeller steamships like the Indiana were the backbone of industrial shipping on the Great Lakes, offering reliability and efficiency in hauling goods and raw materials essential for economic growth. The vessel, measuring around 10–12 years old at the time of the incident, had proven its durability but was also showing signs of age.
History
The Indiana was owned by Frank Perew of Cleveland and had been chartered for the season by E.C. Bancroft for $6,000. On its final voyage, the vessel carried 280 tons of iron ore from the Cleveland Mining Company, a lucrative cargo that underscored the importance of the Great Lakes shipping routes in supporting the burgeoning industrial sector.
On a Sunday evening in June 1858, the Indiana suffered a catastrophic mechanical failure when its stuffing box burst, causing the Stern post to split. Water began flooding the vessel rapidly, extinguishing the fires in the boiler and rendering the propeller useless. The crew of 17, along with the captain, the owner, and three passengers (21 individuals in total), were forced to abandon ship.
The crew initially attempted to tow the vessel ashore using small boats, but a damaged lifeboat required constant bailing, and the effort was Abandoned. Within 15 to 20 minutes, the Indiana settled to its guards and eventually sank in 360 feet of water.
Final Disposition
The Indiana sank approximately 10 miles from shore, 40 miles above Whitefish Point. The vessel was a Total Loss, with an estimated value of $20,000. Insurance partially covered the loss, with $9,000 insured through the North Western company, Toledo Mutual, and Merchantile Mutual of New York. The cargo, also insured, was valued at $2,300.
Survivor Accounts
The crew and passengers managed to reach shore safely using the ship’s small boats. They camped overnight and rigged sails to continue their journey, eventually arriving at Whitefish Point on Tuesday. They were rescued by the Schooner St. Paul, which transported them to Sault Ste. Marie, where they arrived on Wednesday.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The Indiana lies in approximately 360 feet (110 meters) of water. Given its age and depth, the wreck is likely well-preserved in the cold, freshwater environment of Lake Superior. However, the vessel’s remote location and depth make it inaccessible to most recreational divers. It may appeal to technical divers with proper equipment and experience, but there is little documentation of modern exploration of the wreck.
NOTMARs & Advisories
• Current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs): None specifically issued for this wreck. However, Whitefish Point is known for its challenging waters and numerous shipwrecks, and mariners should navigate cautiously in the area.
Located By & Date
There is no record of the Indiana wreck being discovered or thoroughly explored. Its depth and lack of modern documentation make it a candidate for future underwater archaeological investigation.
Resources & Links
1. Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, Whitefish Point:
2. Maritime History of the Great Lakes:
Comprehensive records of historical shipwrecks and Great Lakes shipping history.
https://www.maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca
3. Newspaper Archives:
• Buffalo Commercial Advertiser
• Buffalo Republic & Times
4. WreckSite Database:
Potential information for future inclusion if the wreck is located.
5. 3DShipwrecks – Indiana
3D Model. – Indiana
Indiana by 3DShipwrecks on Sketchfab
Conclusion
The Indiana was a critical part of the Great Lakes shipping network, transporting valuable cargo such as iron ore to fuel industrial growth. Its loss in June 1858 highlights the risks of early maritime transportation and the resilience of its crew, who survived under dire circumstances. Though the wreck remains undocumented, it holds historical significance and serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by Great Lakes mariners.
Keywords
#IndianaShipwreck #LakeSuperiorShipwreck #WhitefishPointWrecks #GreatLakesMaritimeHistory #IronOreShipping #19thCenturyShipwrecks #LakeSuperiorDiving
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