Wisconsin (1852)

Vessel Type Description #

The Wisconsin was a wooden-hulled passenger and freight steamer constructed in 1852 by Presley & Stevens for Chamberlin & Crawford of Cleveland. With two decks and a screw propeller, the steamer was built for both cargo and passenger transport, serving as a crucial part of the Great Lakes transportation network. Over its years of operation, the vessel played a vital role in moving people and goods across the region, making it a key asset to the local economy during the mid-19th century.

History #

The Wisconsin had a long and turbulent service life on the Great Lakes, marked by numerous incidents that illustrated the challenges of early steam navigation. Initially owned by Chamberlin & Crawford, the vessel faced legal troubles in 1853 when it was seized by the U.S. Marshal in Milwaukee for violating revenue laws. After being released, the ship continued its service on the lakes, eventually being acquired by the Northern Transportation Company in 1855.

Throughout the following decade, the Wisconsin was involved in several notable incidents:

•In 1856, the ship suffered a burst water jacket on its boiler, requiring extensive repairs in Buffalo, New York.

•In 1857, the vessel ran aground on rocks at Long Sault, but fortunately, it sustained minimal damage.

•In 1858, the steamer collided with the schooner KNAPP in a storm near Racine, Wisconsin and later experienced a broken shaft that led to additional repairs.

Despite these issues, the Wisconsin continued to operate until its final voyage on May 21, 1867. On that day, while navigating Lake Ontario near Grenadier Island, a fire broke out above the boilers. The fire quickly engulfed the vessel, prompting the captain to attempt running it ashore to save the passengers and crew. Tragically, the fire spread too fast, and panic ensued as passengers and crew launched a lifeboat prematurely, resulting in many being thrown into the water. At least 23 people, including the first and second engineers, drowned in the chaos. The ship burned down to the water’s edge, and the vessel was declared a total loss.

The Wisconsin had been insured for $15,000, covering about three-fourths of its estimated value. After the fire, 22 bodies were recovered and brought to Cape Vincent by the steamer Pierrepont. The disaster left a significant impact on the Great Lakes community, as it highlighted the risks of steamship travel during this period.

In 2017, two shipwreck hunters, Tim Caza and Dennis Gerber, discovered the Wisconsin’s two smokestacks in 85 feet of water off Tibbetts Point Lighthouse. These smokestacks had fallen overboard during the fire, offering a tangible connection to the vessel’s tragic final moments.

Final Disposition #

The Wisconsin was destroyed by fire near Grenadier Island, Lake Ontario, on May 21, 1867. The remains of the vessel have not been definitively located, but its smokestacks were found in 2017. The ship was considered a total loss after the fire, and its precise wreck site remains largely unknown.

Located By & Date #

•Located by: Not specified; only the smokestacks have been found.

•Date of Discovery: The smokestacks were located in 2017.

Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) & Advisories #

There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the Wisconsin wreck site. The exact location of the vessel’s remains is not marked on navigational charts, and the wreck does not pose a known hazard to navigation.

Current Condition & Accessibility #

The Wisconsin’s wreck remains undiscovered, except for its smokestacks, which were found in 85 feet of water. Without the precise location of the vessel, it is not accessible to divers or researchers. The condition of the rest of the wreck, if it still exists, is unknown.