Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

Albany (1846)

Explore the remains of the Albany, a sidewheel steamer that sank in 1853, located in shallow waters of Lake Huron, offering a glimpse into 19th-century maritime history.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Albany
  • Type: Sidewheel Steamer
  • Year Built: 1846
  • Builder: C.L. Gager
  • Dimensions: Length: 202 ft (61.6 m); Beam: 29 ft (8.8 m); Depth of hold: 11.7 ft (3.6 m)
  • Registered Tonnage:
  • Depth at Wreck Site: 1.5 m / 5 ft
  • Location: Albany Bay, Lake Huron, near Presque Isle, MI
  • Official Number: Not available

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Vessel Type: Sidewheel Steamer

Description

The Albany was a wooden-hulled sidewheel steamer constructed in 1846 by C.L. Gager in Detroit, Michigan. As a prominent passenger and freight vessel, it played a crucial role in transporting settlers and goods across the Great Lakes during the mid-19th century.

History

By the 1840s, the Great Lakes had become vital corridors for westward expansion in North America. Steamers like the Albany were instrumental in ferrying thousands of settlers from eastern hubs such as Buffalo, New York, to burgeoning cities including Cleveland, Detroit, Milwaukee, and Chicago. The Albany was known for its speed and reliability, catering to the increasing demand for transportation and commerce in the region.

Significant Incidents

  • On November 26, 1853, while navigating Lake Huron, the Albany encountered a severe gale.
  • Attempting to seek refuge in Presque Isle Harbor, the vessel was driven ashore by the storm.
  • Nearly 200 passengers and crew survived the night and were rescued by local boats the following day.
  • Subsequent salvage efforts, combined with harsh winter ice and storms, led to the disintegration of the wooden ship.

Final Disposition

Today, remnants of the Albany rest in shallow waters, approximately 5 feet (1.5 metres) deep, less than two miles from shore in Albany Bay—a location named in honor of the wreck. A seasonal mooring buoy marks a 100-foot (30.5 metres) section of the vessel’s lower hull, providing access for paddlers, snorkelers, and divers.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck site is marked by a seasonal mooring buoy. Visitors should exercise caution due to potential underwater hazards and adhere to preservation guidelines to protect the historical integrity of the site.

Resources & Links

The Albany stands as a testament to the pivotal role of sidewheel steamers in the expansion and development of the Great Lakes region during the 19th century. Its remains offer a tangible connection to this transformative era in North American history.