IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #
The WISCONSIN was a wooden sidewheel steamer, a type of paddle steamer that was widely used for transporting passengers and goods across the Great Lakes in the 19th century. The vessel was initially 157 feet long but was later lengthened to over 218 feet, making it one of the largest and fastest boats on the Great Lakes at the time. It was powered by a crosshead engine with a single cylinder and a stroke of 60 x 108 inches, generating 385 horsepower.
HISTORY: #
The WISCONSIN was launched in 1838 in Conneaut, Ohio, commissioned by James C. Evans and others from Buffalo, New York. The vessel was enrolled in Buffalo and served various routes, including Buffalo to Detroit, Milwaukee, and Chicago. Early in its career, the WISCONSIN ran aground at Mackinac in 1840 but was freed with the help of the steamer GREAT WESTERN. Despite various mishaps, including collisions and grounding incidents, the steamer was consistently repaired and returned to service.
In 1844, the vessel underwent significant rebuilding and lengthening, transforming it into one of the largest and fastest steamers on the Great Lakes. It continued to serve the region under different owners, including Samuel Gelston, Stephan Card, E.S. Prosser & Company, and Edward Whittaker, all based in Buffalo.
The WISCONSIN faced another significant collision in September 1847 with the steamer NILE on Lake Huron. Again, it was repaired and continued to operate.
The vessel’s operational life came to a tragic end on August 24, 1853, when it collided with the propeller BRUNSWICK near West Sister Light on Lake Erie. The collision was devastating, and within ten minutes, the WISCONSIN sank. Fortunately, the entire crew was rescued by the BRUNSWICK.
FINAL DISPOSITION: #
The WISCONSIN sank on August 24, 1853, following a collision with the propeller BRUNSWICK near West Sister Island in Lake Erie. The wreck now lies in 35 feet of water, making it a notable site for diving and historical interest.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
The wreck of the WISCONSIN is submerged near West Sister Island and may pose a navigation hazard in the area. Mariners should exercise caution when navigating near the coordinates provided.
LOCATED BY & DATE: #
The coordinates of the WISCONSIN wreck were recorded, and the site is recognized as a significant historical shipwreck in Lake Erie.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY: #
The wreck lies in 35 feet (11 meters) of water, making it accessible to divers. Given the vessel’s age and the conditions under which it sank, the wreck is likely to be in a deteriorated state, but it remains an important site for those interested in maritime history.
RESOURCES & LINKS: #
- Great Lakes Ships
- Bowling Green State University
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
Tags: #
- #GreatLakesShipwrecks
- #LakeErie
- #SidewheelSteamer
- #MaritimeHistory
- #ShipwreckResearch
- #NavigationHazard
Conclusion: #
The WISCONSIN was a pioneering sidewheel steamer that played a crucial role in the transportation of passengers and goods across the Great Lakes in the mid-19th century. Despite facing numerous challenges, including groundings, collisions, and repairs, the vessel remained a key player in Great Lakes shipping until its tragic end in 1853. The wreck of the WISCONSIN, now lying near West Sister Island in Lake Erie, serves as a poignant reminder of the perils faced by those who navigated these waters and the enduring legacy of the Great Lakes’ maritime history.
