IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

Vessel Name: Wabash

Type: Wooden Propeller Steamer

Builder: Quayle & Martin, Cleveland, Ohio

Year Built: 1864

Owner: Union Steamboat Company

Length: 208 feet (63.4 meters)

Beam: 34 feet (10.4 meters)

Depth: 15 feet (4.6 meters)

Tonnage: Gross: 925 tons

Final Location: Near Port Huron, Michigan, Lake Huron

Depth: Approx. 140 feet (43 meters)

Coordinates: Not precisely documented but known to lie near Port Huron.

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Wabash was a wooden Propeller Steamer built for freight transportation on the Great Lakes. Equipped with a single propeller and driven by a compound steam engine, the vessel exemplified mid-19th century shipbuilding techniques and was designed for the efficient movement of bulk goods. The Wabash was particularly notable for her robust design and ability to handle heavy cargoes such as Railroad Iron.

HISTORY

Launched in 1864 by Quayle & Martin at their Cleveland shipyard, the Wabash served as a workhorse for the Union Steamboat Company, a major player in the Great Lakes shipping industry. The vessel primarily carried goods between the major industrial ports of the region, including glassware, Railroad Iron, and other industrial supplies.

The Wabash was commanded by Captain Pope, who was well-regarded for his expertise on the Great Lakes. The Steamer played a crucial role in facilitating commerce during a period of rapid industrialization in the United States.

Final Voyage and Sinking (1866):

On the night of August 14, 1866, the Wabash was en route from Buffalo, New York, to Chicago, Illinois, laden with Railroad Iron and glassware. Near Port Huron, Michigan, the vessel encountered a severe storm. Buffeted by strong winds and towering waves, the Wabash began to take on water rapidly.

Despite the crew’s efforts to save the vessel, the weight of the iron cargo exacerbated the situation, and the Steamer sank. While most of the crew survived, there were several fatalities, though exact numbers are uncertain. The Wabash’s sinking was one of many similar tragedies during this period when the Great Lakes’ unpredictable weather posed constant challenges to mariners.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The Wabash rests at the bothttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpg of Lake Huron, near Port Huron, in approximately 140 feet (43 meters) of water. The wreck remains largely intact due to the cold freshwater environment, preserving many structural features of the vessel, including parts of the cargo of Railroad Iron.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) currently issued for the Wabash wreck site. However, divers in the area should exercise caution due to potential hazards such as sharp debris and strong currents near Port Huron.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The wreck of the Wabash was first discovered by divers in the 1970s. Subsequent expeditions have documented the site, revealing many preserved details of the ship’s construction and cargo.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The wreck lies in cold, clear water, offering excellent Visibility for divers. Its depth of 140 feet makes it accessible to advanced technical divers equipped with proper gear and certifications. Much of the Wabash’s structure, including its propeller, parts of the engine, and some of its cargo, remains intact.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Documentation of ship histories and accidents.

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: Comprehensive database of Great Lakes shipwrecks.

•NOAA Great Lakes Wreck Dives: Information on Lake Huron wreck diving sites.

•Historical Collections of the Great Lakes (Bowling Green State University): Archival materials on Great Lakes shipping.

CONCLUSION

The Wabash’s sinking in 1866 illustrates the risks of Great Lakes navigation during the 19th century. As a vital link in the burgeoning industrial supply chain, the vessel’s loss was a blow to regional commerce. Today, the wreck serves as both a somber reminder of these dangers and a fascinating dive site for maritime enthusiasts.

TAGS:

Wabash, Lake Huron shipwreck, Union Steamboat Company, Railroad Iron cargo, Great Lakes maritime history, 19th-century Steamer, Port Huron disaster, advanced wreck diving.