America (1847)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: America
• Type: Paddle Wheel Steamer
• Year Built: 1847
• Builder: Unknown (constructed in Port Huron, Michigan)
• Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
• Registered Tonnage: 1083 tons
• Depth at Wreck Site: 5 m / 15 ft
• Location: North end of Pelee Island, Lake Erie
• Coordinates: 41° 49.675′ N, 82° 38.066′ W

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The America was a grand paddle wheel steamer of its time, built to carry passengers and freight across the Great Lakes. With a wooden hull and side paddle wheels, it represented the pinnacle of mid-19th-century maritime engineering. Originally serving routes between Buffalo, Sandusky, and Chicago, the vessel was later reduced to a freight carrier before its final voyage.

Description

Built in 1847 in Port Huron, Michigan, the America was initially celebrated as one of the largest and most elegant vessels on the Great Lakes. It featured spacious cabins and advanced design features, making it a popular choice for passenger transport.

History

The America was enrolled in Buffalo in 1848 and operated on the Buffalo-Sandusky route. Over its career, the vessel experienced numerous incidents:

• 1848: Ran aground near Mamajuda, Detroit.
• 1849: Extended service to Chicago; broke a shaft requiring repairs in Cleveland.
• 1850: A steam pipe burst on board, resulting in fatalities.
• 1854 (January): Ran aground and was scuttled in Dunkirk Harbour but was raised and repaired.

On April 5, 1854, while navigating near Pelee Island, Lake Erie, the America ran aground on a rock bottom about 100 rods from the light at the island’s north end. The vessel had deviated approximately half a mile off course due to a misjudgment by the second mate, who altered the ship’s direction southward. Before the captain could intervene, the steamer struck the rocks.

The ship remained stable initially but was battered by a strong northeasterly wind on Friday night, causing irreparable damage. By Saturday morning, the vessel was filled with water, and the captain departed for Detroit. The crew was rescued by the Granite State, though the Cleveland found some crew members still aboard.

Subsequent efforts to salvage the engine and some furnishings were partially successful, but the vessel itself was declared a total loss.

Significant Incidents

The America experienced several significant incidents during its service:

• 1848: Ran aground near Mamajuda, Detroit.
• 1849: Extended service to Chicago; broke a shaft requiring repairs in Cleveland.
• 1850: A steam pipe burst on board, resulting in fatalities.
• 1854 (January): Ran aground and was scuttled in Dunkirk Harbour but was raised and repaired.

Final Disposition

The America was completely destroyed by gale-force winds shortly after grounding. Only fragments of the hull remained visible by April 19, 1854, as reported by the Buffalo Daily Republic. Approximately 50 tons of engine components and some furniture were later salvaged.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck lies in shallow water at 15 feet (5 meters), making it accessible for recreational divers. Given the time elapsed since its sinking, the wooden structure of the vessel has likely deteriorated significantly. Some machinery and hull fragments may remain scattered on the lakebed.

Resources & Links

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The America, once a symbol of maritime luxury and engineering, met a tragic and dramatic end on April 5, 1854, off Pelee Island. While no lives were lost, the wreck highlighted the dangers of navigation on the Great Lakes, even for experienced crews. Today, the wreck site serves as a historical point of interest, preserving the legacy of a vessel that was once a giant of the lakes.