- Propeller
- 210ft 70m Lengths
- 20ffw 6m Depths
- Lake St. Clair
- 42°36’22″N 82°32’54″W
The Badger State, a propeller steamship constructed in 1862 in Buffalo, New York, had a diverse and eventful history. Built by Mason & Bidwell, with Charles L. Bidwell serving as the master carpenter, the vessel featured a wooden hull with two decks. It was initially owned by Charles Ensign & Holt of Buffalo, operating under the People’s Line. Notably, the Badger State was the sister ship of the Empire State.
Powered by a single low-pressure screw propulsion system, the Badger State had a 44 x 42″ engine built by Shepard Iron Works in Buffalo, along with a 9’x 20′, 45-pound firebox boiler. The vessel’s dimensions were 210 feet 4 inches in length, 32 feet 4 inches in beam, and 13 feet 3 inches in depth. According to the old-style tonnage measurement, it had a capacity of 860 92/95 tons and could carry up to 900 tons of cargo.
Tragedy struck the Badger State on December 6, 1909, near Fawn Island in the St. Clair River on the Canadian side. While moored for the winter in Marine City, the vessel caught fire and was subsequently cut adrift. It crossed the St. Clair River and grounded on the Canadian side, burning to the water’s edge. The ship was ultimately destroyed, with no cargo on board at the time of the incident. On December 31, 1909, the vessel’s documents were surrendered in Detroit, Michigan.
Throughout its history, the Badger State experienced various ownership changes and incidents. On April 17, 1862, it was launched, and on April 9, 1864, ownership transferred to the Western Transportation Company of New York. Under this ownership, the ship operated between Buffalo and ports along the west shore of Lake Michigan. However, on June 6, 1864, the engine broke down, and the vessel was towed to Detroit. It was then fitted with a steeple compound engine, measuring 25 1/4 & 54 x 39″, providing 500 horsepower at 68 rpm. The new engine was obtained from King Iron Works in Buffalo.
In subsequent years, the Badger State underwent repairs, including a significant repair in 1871 and further repairs in 1876, 1878, and 1881. It also encountered collisions and accidents during its service. In 1877, the vessel collided with the schooner Helen Blood in foggy conditions near Port Huron. Another collision occurred in June of the same year when the Badger State collided with the schooner Greenback off Belle Isle in the Detroit River.
Ownership of the vessel changed hands multiple times. In 1884, it came under the ownership of the Western Transit Company of New York, and in 1898, it was acquired by the Northern Transit Company based in Rockport, Ohio. By 1902, ownership had shifted to the Barry Brothers Transportation Company of Chicago, Illinois. The vessel underwent several rebuilds and modifications over the years to adapt to changing roles and trades.
In 1905, the Badger State was briefly repurposed as a floating gambling and pool room, anchored near Peche Island in Canadian waters outside the jurisdiction of Detroit’s regulations. However, this operation was swiftly shut down, and it remains unclear whether actual gambling took place on the ship.
Following its time as a floating casino, the Badger State was converted into a lumber carrier in 1906. In 1909, while docked in Marine City, it caught fire and was cut loose to prevent further damage. The vessel drifted downstream until it burned itself out. It ultimately ran aground on Harsens Island in the North Channel, opposite Algonac, where it rests to this day.
Diving the BADGER STATE
Divers interested in exploring the wreck should exercise caution due to its location and previous collisions. It is recommended to study nautical charts and be aware of the wreck’s position to avoid boat collisions. The site has been struck numerous times in the past, resulting in broken propeller blades, outdrive, and jet ski parts littering the area. Divers should approach slowly and maintain a vigilant lookout. If visibility is good and water levels are favorable, the starboard side of the wreck may be visible from the surface. The shallow area between the wreck and the shore serves as a suitable spot for anchoring, gearing up, walking, and then diving towards the wreck.
The Badger State’s massive rudder was salvaged and is on display at the Harsens Island ferry landing, making it worth a visit for those interested in maritime history.
