The America, a historic passenger and package delivery ship, met its tragic fate on June 7, 1928, when it ran aground on a reef off the shore of Isle Royale in Lake Superior. The vessel had a rich history, having been built in 1898 by the Detroit Dry Dock Company in Wyandotte, Michigan. It was constructed with a steel hull and wooden superstructure, measuring approximately 165 feet in length, 31 feet in beam, and 11 feet in depth. The America was powered by a triple expansion steam engine, delivering 700 horsepower, and had two Scotch boilers.
Soon after its launch, the America commenced its daily run on Lake Michigan between Chicago and Michigan City, Indiana, transporting both passengers and packages. In 1902, the Booth Steamship Company purchased the vessel and transferred it to Lake Superior, where it served as a vital communications link between Duluth, Minnesota, Isle Royale, Thunder Bay, Ontario, and several small communities in the region. Throughout its operational history, the ship carried supplies, fish catch, mail, and passengers, making it an integral part of the Great Lakes transportation system.
The America faced several accidents over the years, including collisions, groundings, and striking ice floes. Despite these mishaps, the ship continued its service under different ownerships, including the Booth Fisheries Company and the United States & Dominion Transportation Company.
On June 6, 1928, the America set sail from Duluth on its regular route and arrived at Isle Royale’s Washington Harbor to drop off passengers. Early on June 7, the ship departed before dawn, and the captain handed over the helm to the first mate. Tragically, the America struck a submerged reef as it left the harbor and subsequently ran aground on another reef. All 16 passengers and 31 crew members were safely transferred to lifeboats, but the ship settled on the lake bottom, with only its forward deck and wheelhouse remaining above the waterline.
Efforts were made to salvage the ship, but delays and financial constraints made the operation unfeasible. The wreck diver who explored the wreckage in 1970 lost his life during the expedition. Today, the America lies in Washington Harbor at a depth of approximately 200 feet, serving as a poignant reminder of the Great Lakes’ maritime history.
In recognition of its historical significance, the wreck of the America was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. Despite its tragic end, the America remains an important part of Great Lakes maritime heritage, symbolizing the challenges and risks faced by ships and crews navigating these treacherous waters.
