Shipwreck Report: Steamer ATLANTA (1891–1906)

Identification & Site Information

• Name: ATLANTA
• Year Built: 1891
• Construction Site: Cleveland Dry Dock Company, Cleveland, Ohio
• Vessel Type: Wooden passenger and Packet freight Steamer
• Final Location: Lake Michigan, 14 miles south of Sheboygan, Wisconsin
• Depth: 17 feet (5.2 m)
• Coordinates: Near Cedar Grove Hawk Research Station, 800 feet from shore
• Date of Loss: March 18, 1906
• Cause: Fire
• Final Cargo: Passengers, manufactured goods, and freight
• Construction and Ownership
• Original Owner: Goodrich Transportation Company
• Dimensions: Length: Approximately 171 feet (52.1 m)
• Capacity: 195 passengers per voyage
• Notable Features:

Luxurious passenger accommodations, including mahogany doors and staircases, embossed wall coverings, blue and gold plush carpeting, upholstered chairs, running water, and electricity.

Advanced fire safety features for the time, including a sprinkler system (installed prior to 1906).

Operational History

Route: Initially operated between Chicago, IL, and Muskegon and Grand Haven, MI. Later expanded service to Green Bay, Marinette, and Wisconsin’s Lake Michigan shoreline ports.

Service: A prominent passenger and freight Steamer known for its comfort and reliability. Played a key role in connecting Midwest cities with Lake Michigan communities during the height of Steamship travel.

Final Incident

Date: March 18, 1906

Details: While steaming along the western Lake Michigan route, a fire broke out in ATLANTA’s hold. Despite the crew’s efforts and the use of the sprinkler system, the fire spread rapidly. Nearby vessels, including the Smith Brothers fishing Tug TESSLER and the Goodrich Steamer GEORGIA, assisted in the rescue.

Rescue: All passengers and crew (except one fatality) were rescued and transferred to the GEORGIA. The TESSLER towed the burning vessel closer to shore.

Outcome: The vessel burned to the waterline and sank.

Site Condition

Current Location: Lies parallel to shore on a sandy bottom near Cedar Grove Hawk Research Station.

Preservation: The lower Hull remains largely intact, though the upper decks, machinery, and much of the cargo were destroyed by fire, salvage, and looting  Sand and organic material periodically cover and uncover sections of the wreck, revealing artifacts and structural components.

Visibility: When the water is calm and clear, the wreck site can be viewed from the surface.

Archaeological Documentation

• 1. 2016 Field School: Documented by archaeologists from the Wisconsin Historical Society Maritime Preservation Program and East Carolina University’s Program in Maritime Studies during a three-week field school.  Surveyed the site and recorded structural and artifact details.
• 2. 2017 Recognition: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, cementing its historical and archaeological significance.
• 3. 2021 NOAA Survey: Maritime archaeologists used multi-beam and side-scan sonar technology to further document the wreck site.
• 4. Luxury on the Lakes: The ATLANTA was among the most opulent Passenger Vessels on Lake Michigan during its time, reflecting the era’s reliance on Steamship travel for both business and leisure.
• 5. Fire Safety Evolution: Despite its advanced fire safety systems for the era, the loss highlights the challenges of managing fires on wooden steamers.
• 6. Cultural Impact: The vessel played a vital role in connecting communities around Lake Michigan, facilitating economic and social exchange.

Dive and Research Opportunities

Dive Suitability: The wreck is accessible to divers due to its shallow depth (17 feet). Visibility conditions vary based on water clarity. Artifacts and intact portions of the lower Hull provide opportunities for exploration.

Archaeological Value: Artifacts periodically uncovered by shifting sands offer insights into Great Lakes shipping history and onboard life. The site is monitored for preservation and further study.

Research Resources

• Wisconsin Historical Society Maritime Preservation Program: Documentation and findings from the 2016 field school.  Wisconsin Historical Society
• NOAA Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary: Sonar imagery and archaeological data from the 2021 survey. NOAA Sanctuaries
• East Carolina University’s Program in Maritime Studies: Collaborated on the 2016 archaeological survey. ECU Maritime Studies
• Thunder Bay Research Collection (C. Patrick Labadie): Historic photos of the ATLANTA at Muskegon and Manitowoc. Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Facebook Post – Wreck Weds 22 Jan 2025