The Sidewheel Steamer Chicago: A Tale of Triumph and Tragedy on the Great Lakes

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Name: Chicago

• Vessel Type: Sidewheel Steamer

• Built: 1835, St. Joseph, Michigan

• Dimensions: Not specified in available records

• Home Port: Not specified in available records

• Service Area: Great Lakes, primarily Lake Erie

• Primary Use: Passenger and package freight transport

• Final Disposition: Abandoned in 1846 after extensive damage and multiple accidents

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Chicago was a wooden Sidewheel Steamer, a hallmark of early Great Lakes maritime innovation. Equipped with large paddle wheels for propulsion, these vessels were vital to the burgeoning commerce of the 19th century. They carried passengers and diverse cargoes, connecting remote settlements with industrial hubs. The Chicago exemplified the versatility and resilience of these vessels, serving as a crucial link in the Great Lakes’ trade and transport network.

HISTORY

Construction and Service

Constructed in 1835 in St. Joseph, Michigan, the Chicago entered service as a passenger and package freighter. Operating primarily on Lake Erie, it transported goods and people during an era of rapid expansion and development in the Great Lakes region. Despite its promise, the Chicago’s career was marked by repeated adversity.

The 1842 Storm Incident

On November 18, 1842, the Chicago was caught in a severe storm while anchored off Erie, Pennsylvania. Battling high winds and waves for two days, the vessel raised distress signals but was unreachable due to the ferocity of the weather. By morning, it had vanished from view, sparking fears of Total Loss.

In a dramatic twist, the vessel reappeared, having gone ashore at Sturgeon Point. Severely battered and missing its smoke stacks, the Chicago’s approximately 60 passengers and crew were rescued safely. While its survival demonstrated resilience, the damage signaled the beginning of its decline.

Decline and Abandonment

In subsequent years, the Chicago endured more damage from storms and accidents. By 1846, the vessel was deemed unfit for service and was officially Abandoned, leaving behind a story of perseverance in the face of relentless challenges.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The Chicago was Abandoned after suffering irreparable damage. The location of its final resting place is not documented, and any remains have likely been lost to time or submerged beneath shifting sands. The vessel’s abandonment marked the end of a tumultuous career.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the Chicago, and its wreck, if extant, has not been identified as a navigational hazard. The story of the vessel remains preserved in historical accounts rather than physical artifacts.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• History of the Great Lakes Vol 1
• Lake Erie Shipwreck Map

CONCLUSION

The journey of the Chicago is emblematic of the pioneering era of Great Lakes navigation. From its construction in 1835 to its abandonment in 1846, the vessel endured numerous challenges, including severe weather and operational accidents. Its survival during the 1842 storm demonstrated the resourcefulness of its crew and the resilience of its design. Although its remains have been lost, the Chicago’s legacy persists as a testament to the risks and triumphs of early maritime commerce on the Great Lakes.

KEYWORDS

Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Maritime History, Sidewheel Steamer, Lake Erie, 19th Century Shipping, Shipwreck Resilience, St. Joseph Michigan, Sturgeon Point, Abandoned Ships