Site Description #
- Side Wheeler
- 25ffw 8m
- 300ft length
- Point Pelee
- N 41 53.879 W 82 30.599
The Northern Indiana, a steamer built in 1852, had a notable history in the maritime industry. Constructed in Buffalo, New York, by Bidwell & Banta, the vessel was made of wood and featured a single deck. Originally owned by the Michigan Southern Railroad Company of Buffalo, New York, the Northern Indiana was a sidewheel steamship propelled by a low-pressure engine. The engine, manufactured by Morgan Works of New York, had a single cylinder measuring 72 by 144 inches in stroke.
In terms of its dimensions, the Northern Indiana measured 300 feet 6 inches in length, 36 feet 10 inches in beam, and 13 feet 8 inches in depth. It had an old-style tonnage of 1,475 50/95, indicating its carrying capacity.
Tragically, on July 17, 1856, the Northern Indiana met its devastating end. While en route from Buffalo, New York, to Toledo, Ohio, the steamship caught fire and burned. The incident occurred off Point Pelee in Lake Erie. Regrettably, 30 lives were lost in the tragic event. However, survivors were rescued by the steamer Mississippi and the propeller Republic. The final cargo aboard the Northern Indiana consisted of passengers and miscellaneous freight.
The Northern Indiana’s history was marked by a series of noteworthy events. Shortly after its launch on March 20, 1852, it embarked on a trial trip, which was considered the quickest at the time. However, during its trial trip, the steamship collided with the Golden Gate in Buffalo. Further collisions followed, including one with the schooner Lewis Cass on the Maumee River in Lake Erie and another with the schooner Plymouth off Cleveland. Repairs were undertaken in Cleveland to address the damages caused by the collisions.
Throughout its years of service, the Northern Indiana encountered various incidents, including damage sustained in a gale, machinery failures, and grounding in Toledo Bay. It was also holed by an anchor in Monroe, Michigan, and experienced additional machinery breakdowns in Lake Erie.
Despite its significant presence in the Great Lakes region, the Northern Indiana’s final chapter was marred by tragedy. The fire that engulfed the vessel in Lake Erie serves as a poignant reminder of the risks and perils faced by sailors and passengers during that era. The legacy of the Northern Indiana stands as a testament to the challenges and sacrifices of those involved in maritime transportation in the mid-19th century.
