History #
The Albany, originally a sidewheel steamer, was built in 1846 by C. Worth in Detroit. It had no other known names or official number. The vessel was made of wood and primarily served as a passenger and package freight carrier.
The specifications of the Albany were 202 feet in length, 29 feet in width, and 12 feet in depth, with a tonnage of 669.
On November 26, 1853, during a storm, the Albany encountered its loss near Presque Isle, Michigan, in Lake Huron. While attempting to reach the safety of Presque Isle harbor, it was driven over a bar by a severe gale. Although plans were made to haul it back across, another storm struck before the efforts could be realized. Fortunately, there was no loss of life, as all 200 passengers and crew members came ashore in the vessel’s boats. The Albany was bound for Detroit from Sault Ste. Marie at the time of the incident. The steamship Niagara also assisted in rescuing the people on board. In November 1854, the vessel’s boiler and most of its machinery were recovered.
Various news sources reported on the Albany’s wreck and subsequent events. The boat and its cargo, including provisions and supplies, were likely a total loss. The vessel was owned by McKnight of Detroit, who also owned the recently lost propeller Independence. Insurance coverage had expired just a few days prior to the accident.
Efforts to raise the Albany were eventually abandoned due to the substantial damage caused by the storm. The wrecked vessel was left at the bottom of Lake Huron. Pieces of the wreck were found near Port Huron, indicating that the Albany had possibly been carried downstream by floating ice. However, men hired to salvage the wreckage managed to remove the boiler and most of the machinery, transporting them to Presque Isle.
In summary, the Albany was a sidewheel steamer with a tragic end. It was wrecked in 1853 during a storm near Presque Isle, Michigan, resulting in the loss of the vessel. Despite the challenges faced, all passengers and crew members were safely rescued.
