Identification & Site Information

• Name: ARCTIC
• Former Names: None
• Official Number: None (pre-registration era)
• Type at Loss: Sidewheel Steamer, wood-hulled
• Date Built and Launched: 1851
• Builder: J. Wolverton, Newport (now Marine City), Michigan
• Measurements: 237 ft (72.2 m) length, 30 ft (9.1 m) beam, 13 ft (4 m) depth; 861 tons (old measurement)
• Date Lost: May 28, 1860
• Place of Loss: East side of Lighthouse Island, Lake Superior

Vessel Type

Wooden Sidewheel Steamer

Description

The ARCTIC was a wooden Sidewheel Steamer built in 1851 by J. Wolverton in Newport (now Marine City), Michigan. Measuring 237 feet in length, she was one of the larger steamers operating on the Great Lakes at the time. Sidewheel steamers were a popular mode of passenger and freight transport in the mid-19th century, offering faster travel times compared to traditional sailing vessels. The ARCTIC was owned by the Clement Steam Boat Co. of Milwaukee and served both commercial and passenger routes across the lakes.

History

Under the command of Captain Miller, the ARCTIC operated as a passenger and merchant Steamer, transporting people and goods across the Great Lakes, particularly on Lake Superior. She played a crucial role in connecting remote communities and facilitating trade in an era before railroads dominated inland transportation.

On May 28, 1860, while navigating in heavy fog near Lighthouse Island on Lake Superior, the ARCTIC ran aground on Huron Shoals. The initial grounding did not immediately destroy the vessel, and all passengers and crew were able to safely evacuate in small boats to the nearby shore.

However, shortly after the grounding, a storm arose, pummeling the stranded Steamer with powerful waves and wind. The ARCTIC was pounded to pieces, breaking apart on the shoals under the relentless force of the storm. Fortunately, all aboard had already reached safety, and no lives were lost in the incident.

The survivors were later rescued by the Steamer FOUNTAIN CITY, which arrived at the scene after the storm had subsided.

Final Disposition

Ran aground on Huron Shoals near Lighthouse Island due to fog on May 28, 1860. The vessel was later destroyed by a storm. The wreck is now mostly dispersed, with much of it salvaged or carried away by wreck divers over the years.

Located By & Date Found

The wreck site is dispersed and has been subject to salvage and wreck diving. No significant remains of the vessel are known to exist in their original form.

NOTMARs & Advisories

Nil—no current navigational advisories related to the ARCTIC wreck site near Lighthouse Island, Lake Superior.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Great Lakes Ships Database
• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center

Conclusion

The loss of the ARCTIC in 1860 is a testament to the treacherous conditions faced by early steamers on the Great Lakes, particularly on Lake Superior, known for its sudden storms and unpredictable weather. While the vessel successfully evacuated all passengers and crew before the storm could claim lives, the destruction of the ARCTIC marked a significant loss for the Clement Steam Boat Co. and the growing network of maritime commerce in the region. The ARCTIC‘s story serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by early mariners, and though the wreck has largely been dispersed or salvaged, her legacy endures in the history of Great Lakes navigation.

Keywords, Categories, and Glossary Terms

• Keywords: ARCTIC Sidewheel Steamer, Lighthouse Island shipwreck, Lake Superior Steamer loss, Clement Steam Boat Co., FOUNTAIN CITY rescue, Huron Shoals grounding
• Categories: Lake Superior Shipwrecks, Wooden Sidewheel Steamers, Fog-Related Shipwrecks, 19th Century Maritime Rescues, Milwaukee Shipping History
• Glossary Terms:
• Sidewheel Steamer: A type of steam-powered vessel that uses large paddle wheels mounted on the sides for propulsion, common in the 19th century.
• Huron Shoals: A hazardous area near Lighthouse Island on Lake Superior, known for causing ship groundings.
• Lighthouse Island: An island in Lake Superior that served as a navigational landmark, but also a site of numerous shipwrecks due to its surrounding shoals.