The Ill-Fated Voyage of the Steamer CHICAGO: From Prosperity to Tragedy #
In the annals of maritime history, the steamship CHICAGO stands as a testament to the unpredictable nature of life on the Great Lakes. Launched in 1842 as a propeller steamship, she embarked on a promising career, ferrying passengers and cargo across Lake Erie. However, her story took a tragic turn on August 1, 1849, when a devastating fire engulfed her in Buffalo Harbor. Join us as we delve into the captivating tale of the ill-fated steamship CHICAGO.
Built in Oswego, New York, in 1842, the CHICAGO was the second screw-propelled steamer to navigate the Upper Lakes. Operating under the New York, Oswego & Chicago Line, she plied the waters between Oswego and Chicago, making stops on Lakes Erie, Huron, and Michigan. With a length of 95 feet, a beam of 20 feet 2 inches, and a tonnage of 151, the CHICAGO boasted impressive dimensions for her time.
After her launch, the CHICAGO embarked on her maiden voyage on June 8, 1842, marking the beginning of her commercial service. She quickly gained recognition for her speed, covering 22 miles in a mere 2 hours and 45 minutes on one occasion. However, not all was smooth sailing for the steamship. In November 1843, she struck a reef near Mackinac, highlighting the dangers inherent in navigating the Great Lakes.
On the fateful morning of August 1, 1849, tragedy struck the CHICAGO while she lay in Buffalo Harbor. A fire broke out, believed to have originated in the cook stove. Despite efforts to extinguish the flames, the fire rapidly spread, leaving the vessel consumed by the inferno. By the early morning hours, the CHICAGO had burned to the water’s edge, rendering her beyond hope of rebuilding.
The loss of the CHICAGO was a significant blow to her owners, Weed & Co. of Buffalo, and Armstrong of Detroit. The vessel, valued between $8,000 and $10,000, was insured for $6,000. Fortunately, no lives were lost in the tragic incident. However, the once-proud steamship CHICAGO met her untimely demise, forever etching her name in the chronicles of Great Lakes maritime disasters.
The steamship CHICAGO’s journey, from her launch as a promising propeller steamship to her fiery demise, is a poignant tale of the risks and uncertainties faced by vessels navigating the Great Lakes. As we reflect on the tragedy that befell the CHICAGO, let us remember the individuals who sailed aboard her and the resilience of those who braved the unpredictable waters of Lake Erie.
