IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION: #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The CHICAGO was a propeller steamship, one of the early screw-propelled vessels to navigate the Upper Lakes. Propeller steamships, distinguished by their screw propellers as opposed to the paddle wheels of sidewheel steamers, were a significant advancement in maritime technology during the 19th century. These vessels were known for their speed and efficiency, making them well-suited for the transportation of passengers and cargo across the vast expanses of the Great Lakes.
HISTORY #
The steamship CHICAGO was launched in 1842 from Oswego, New York, as part of the New York, Oswego & Chicago Line. She was the second screw-propelled steamer to operate on the Upper Lakes, marking a milestone in the evolution of Great Lakes shipping. Measuring 95 feet in length and with a beam of 20 feet 2 inches, the CHICAGO was an impressive vessel for her time, capable of both passenger service and freight transport.
The CHICAGO embarked on her maiden voyage on June 8, 1842, and quickly earned a reputation for her speed and reliability. On one notable occasion, she covered 22 miles in just 2 hours and 45 minutes, demonstrating her capabilities as a fast and efficient steamer.
However, the CHICAGO’s journey was not without its challenges. In November 1843, she struck a reef near Mackinac, underscoring the dangers that early steamships faced while navigating the often treacherous waters of the Great Lakes.
The CHICAGO’s fate was sealed on the morning of August 1, 1849, while she was docked in Buffalo Harbor. A fire broke out on board, believed to have started in the cook stove. Despite the crew’s efforts to contain the blaze, the fire spread rapidly, and by the early morning hours, the CHICAGO was consumed by flames. The vessel burned down to the waterline, leaving her a total loss.
The financial loss was significant for her owners, Weed & Co. of Buffalo, and Armstrong of Detroit. The CHICAGO was valued between $8,000 and $10,000 but was insured for only $6,000. Fortunately, no lives were lost in the disaster, but the vessel’s destruction marked a tragic end to what had been a promising career on the Great Lakes.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The CHICAGO was completely destroyed by fire on August 1, 1849, in Buffalo Harbor. The vessel burned down to the waterline and was deemed beyond repair. The loss of the CHICAGO was a significant event, highlighting the dangers of fire aboard wooden steamships and the inherent risks of maritime travel during the 19th century.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
There are no currently active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the wreck site of the CHICAGO. The vessel was destroyed in Buffalo Harbor, and it is unlikely that any significant remains are present at the site today.
LOCATED BY & DATE: #
The CHICAGO was destroyed in Buffalo Harbor in 1849. As the vessel was burned to the waterline and rendered beyond repair, there are no documented efforts to salvage the wreck or any substantial remains that have been located.
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CONCLUSION #
The steamer CHICAGO’s story is a poignant reflection of the early days of steam navigation on the Great Lakes. From her launch in 1842 as a promising propeller steamship to her tragic destruction by fire in 1849, the CHICAGO’s journey encapsulates the challenges and dangers faced by those who ventured across the Great Lakes. While the vessel’s life was cut short, her legacy endures as a testament to the resilience and determination of those who navigated the unpredictable waters of the Great Lakes during a time of rapid technological advancement and maritime exploration.
Keywords:
Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Maritime History, Propeller Steamship, Lake Erie, Buffalo Harbor, 19th Century Shipping, Shipwreck Resilience, Oswego NY, Fire at Sea, Steamship Disasters
