Site Description #
- Side Wheel Steamer
- 35ffw 11m
- 160ft Lengths
- West Sister Island, Lake Erie
- 41 43.246 83 04.38
- 43679.1 56824.3
History #
The WISCONSIN, a wooden sidewheel steamer, was built in 1838 in Conneaut, Ohio, by George W. Jones. The original owner, James C. Evans, along with others from Buffalo, New York, commissioned its construction. Powered by a crosshead engine with a single cylinder and a 60 x 108-inch stroke, the vessel had a propulsion capacity of 385 horsepower. Its impressive 27.6-foot wheels propelled it through the waters. With a length of 157 feet, a beam of 29 feet, and a depth of 11 feet 6 inches, the WISCONSIN had a tonnage of 490 according to the old measurement system.
Throughout its history, the WISCONSIN operated in various locations. Initially, it was enrolled in Buffalo, New York, and served the routes between Buffalo, Detroit, Milwaukee, and Chicago. In 1840, the steamer ran aground at Mackinac but was eventually released with the assistance of the steamer GREAT WESTERN. The WISCONSIN encountered further mishaps in subsequent years, including collisions and getting ashore near Chicago. However, it was repaired and continued its operations.
In 1844, the vessel came under the ownership of Samuel Gelston and others in Buffalo. It underwent rebuilding and lengthening, resulting in new dimensions of 218 feet 8 inches in length, 30 feet in beam, and 14 feet in depth. Its tonnage was recalculated to be 887 according to the old measurement system. This transformation made the WISCONSIN one of the largest and fastest boats on the Great Lakes at that time.
Over the years, the ownership of the WISCONSIN changed hands. It was owned by Stephan Card, E.S. Prosser & Company, and later by Edward Whittaker, all from Buffalo. In September 1847, the steamer was involved in another collision, this time with the steamer NILE on Lake Huron. However, it was repaired once again.
Unfortunately, the final chapter of the WISCONSIN’s history came on August 24, 1853. The vessel collided with the propeller BRUNSWICK near West Sister Light on Lake Erie. Within ten minutes of the collision, the WISCONSIN sank. Fortunately, the entire crew was rescued by the BRUNSWICK.
Although its journey ended in a tragic collision, the WISCONSIN played a significant role in the transportation of passengers and goods on the Great Lakes during its operational years. Its legacy as one of the largest and fastest boats of its time remains a testament to its impact on maritime travel and trade in the region.
