Updated Identification & Site Information:

  • Name: Wisconsin
  • Type: Wooden Sidewheel Steamer
  • Built: 1852 by Presley & Stevens, Ohio City, Ohio
  • Dimensions:
    • Length: Approx. 200 feet (61 meters)
    • Beam: Approx. 30 feet (9.1 meters)
    • Depth: Approx. 14 feet (4.3 meters)
  • Tonnage: Estimated at 1,000 tons
  • Coordinates:
    • Smokestack: Discovered in Lake Ontario, near Grenadier Island (exact coordinates available via sonarguy.com)
    • Main Wreck: Remains undiscovered; potential targets identified near smokestack location
  • •Depth: Smokestack located in deep water; main wreck depth undetermined

Vessel Type & Description

The Wisconsin was a wooden-hulled sidewheel Steamer, an iconic vessel type of the mid-19th century Great Lakes fleet. Known for its paddle-driven propulsion system powered by a boiler engine, the vessel served as both a passenger and cargo transporter. Despite its robust construction, the Wisconsin was plagued by mechanical issues, including frequent boiler malfunctions and grounding incidents.

History

The Wisconsin was constructed in 1852 by Presley & Stevens, a reputable shipbuilding firm in Ohio City. It quickly became an integral part of Great Lakes commerce, traversing routes that connected key ports such as Buffalo, Detroit, and Chicago. Its operational history, however, was marred by repeated mechanical problems and occasional grounding events.

The vessel’s service came to a tragic end when a catastrophic fire broke out during a voyage near Grenadier Island on Lake Ontario. Despite efforts to control the blaze, the Steamer was engulfed in flames and sank. Rescue efforts saved some passengers and crew, but 22 bodies were recovered, and others remain unaccounted for.

Final Disposition

The wreck of the Wisconsin remains largely undiscovered. However, a smokestack believed to belong to the vessel was located in deep water near Grenadier Island in 2015. Nearby, a small rowboat and a 70-foot-long target were identified, raising the possibility of locating the main wreck. These artifacts suggest the wreckage may be scattered, likely due to the violent circumstances of the sinking.

NOTMARs & Advisories

Hazards: Mariners navigating near Grenadier Island should exercise caution, as submerged wreckage could pose a navigational hazard.

Diving Notes: Smokestack and other nearby targets are accessible to advanced divers equipped for deep-water exploration.

Located By & Date

Smokestack discovered in 2015 using advanced sonar technology by sonarguy.com.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The smokestack and surrounding artifacts lie in deep water, and their discovery provides significant leads for future exploration. The main wreck is presumed to be in a deteriorated state, but its exact condition remains unknown due to the lack of a definitive discovery.

Resources & Links

Tags:

#GreatLakesShipwrecks #LakeOntario #SidewheelSteamer #MaritimeHistory #ShipwreckExploration #SonarDiscoveries

Conclusion

The Wisconsin represents the innovation and peril of 19th-century Great Lakes navigation. While the discovery of its smokestack and nearby artifacts sheds light on its tragic end, the main wreck remains a tantalizing mystery for maritime historians and divers. Further exploration of the identified targets could unlock more of the vessel’s story, preserving its legacy for future generations.