Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: SS America
- Type: Passenger and Package Delivery Steamer
- Year Built: 1898
- Builder: Detroit Dry Dock Company, Wyandotte, Michigan
- Dimensions: 165 ft × 31 ft × 11 ft (50.3 m × 9.4 m × 3.4 m)
- Registered Tonnage:
- Depth at Wreck Site: 61 m / 200 ft
- Location: Washington Harbor, Isle Royale
- Coordinates: 47.895006106383924, -89.22421960255312
- Official Number: US 107357
- Original Owners: Booth Steamship Company; later U.S. & Dominion Transportation Co.
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
SS America was a hybrid steel-hulled steamer with a wooden superstructure, purpose-built for Great Lakes passenger and package freight service. Powered by a 700 hp triple expansion steam engine and two Scotch boilers, she served as a key regional link in often ice-prone northern waters.
Description
Launched in 1898, the America began service on Lake Michigan between Chicago and Michigan City. In 1902, the vessel was reassigned to Lake Superior under Booth Steamship Company and became a logistical lifeline to Isle Royale, Thunder Bay, and Duluth. Later owners included Booth Fisheries and U.S. & Dominion Transportation Co.
Despite frequent collisions, ice damage, and groundings, America remained in active duty for 30 years. She was praised for her reliability and utility in transporting passengers, mail, fish, and supplies to remote communities.
History
On 6 June 1928, she departed Duluth for her usual route, stopping at Isle Royale’s Washington Harbor. Shortly after resuming course, she struck a submerged reef and grounded again nearby. The vessel flooded and sank stern-first, coming to rest at 200 feet. All passengers and crew were evacuated without injury.
Significant Incidents
- On 6 June 1928, the SS America struck a submerged reef and sank, with all 47 aboard rescued.
Final Disposition
The America was declared a total loss. Salvage attempts failed due to funding issues and logistical challenges. Her wreck lies largely intact on a silty slope in Washington Harbor.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Discovered and explored by divers in 1970. The dive site was later mapped and recognized for historic value. One diver died during an early expedition. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”america-us-107357″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
No casualties occurred. Crew and passengers were safely evacuated. Historical crew rosters may be found in Booth Steamship Co. archives and Duluth newspapers.
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
Lead Image
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
Other Names: —
Official Number: US 107357
Registry: United States
Vessel Type: Passenger and Package Delivery Steamer
Builder: Detroit Dry Dock Company, Wyandotte, Michigan
Year Built: 1898
Dimensions: 165 ft × 31 ft × 11 ft (50.3 m × 9.4 m × 3.4 m)
Tonnage: Not specified
Cargo on Final Voyage: General freight and passenger luggage
Date of Loss: 7 June 1928
Location: Washington Harbor, Isle Royale, Lake Superior
Coordinates: 47.895006106383924, -89.22421960255312
Depth: Approx. 200 ft (61 m)
Home Port: Duluth, Minnesota
Owners: Booth Steamship Company; later U.S. & Dominion Transportation Co.
Crew: 31
Casualties: 0 (All 47 aboard rescued)
Description
SS America was a hybrid steel-hulled steamer with a wooden superstructure, purpose-built for Great Lakes passenger and package freight service. Powered by a 700 hp triple expansion steam engine and two Scotch boilers, she served as a key regional link in often ice-prone northern waters.
History
Launched in 1898, the America began service on Lake Michigan between Chicago and Michigan City. In 1902, the vessel was reassigned to Lake Superior under Booth Steamship Company and became a logistical lifeline to Isle Royale, Thunder Bay, and Duluth. Later owners included Booth Fisheries and U.S. & Dominion Transportation Co.
Despite frequent collisions, ice damage, and groundings, America remained in active duty for 30 years. She was praised for her reliability and utility in transporting passengers, mail, fish, and supplies to remote communities.
On 6 June 1928, she departed Duluth for her usual route, stopping at Isle Royale’s Washington Harbor. Shortly after resuming course, she struck a submerged reef and grounded again nearby. The vessel flooded and sank stern-first, coming to rest at 200 feet. All passengers and crew were evacuated without injury.
Final Dispositions
The America was declared a total loss. Salvage attempts failed due to funding issues and logistical challenges. Her wreck lies largely intact on a silty slope in Washington Harbor.
Located By & Date Found
Discovered and explored by divers in 1970. The dive site was later mapped and recognized for historic value. One diver died during an early expedition. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
Notmars & Advisories
No specific NOTMARs active. The site lies within Isle Royale National Park; cultural protection applies. Depth and thermoclines pose hazards for divers.
Dive Information
Access: Boat only
Entry Point: Windigo or Isle Royale NP launches
Conditions: Cold, deep, strong thermocline, occasional currents
Depth Range: 190–200 ft (58–61 m)
Emergency Contacts: Isle Royale NP; USCG Duluth
Permits: Required (NPS regulations)
Dive Support: Limited; technical divers only
Crew & Casualty Memorials
No casualties occurred. Crew and passengers were safely evacuated. Historical crew rosters may be found in Booth Steamship Co. archives and Duluth newspapers.
Documented Statements & Extracts
“All passengers and crew escaped safely to shore in lifeboats. The steamer slid slowly beneath the surface near the reef off Isle Royale.” — Wikipedia
Registry, Enrollment & Insurance Trails
Registered under U.S. registry laws; home port Duluth. Ownership transitioned from Booth Steamship to Booth Fisheries, and finally to United States & Dominion Transportation Co. Insurance records not publicly archived.
Site Documentation & Imaging
Extensively surveyed by technical divers. Notable features include intact hull, wheelhouse, and deck gear. Listed in NPS historical registry. Some archival footage and models exist.
Image Gallery
Resources & Links
- Great Lakes Vessels Database (BGSU/HCGL)
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Find A Grave
- Wikipedia: SS America (1898)
References
NOAA Shipwreck Record Card
Other Names: —
Official Number: Unknown
Coordinates: 47.895006106383924, -89.22421960255312
Depth: ~200 ft (61 m)
Location Description: Washington Harbor, Isle Royale
Vessel Type: Passenger/Freight Steamer
Material: Steel hull with wooden superstructure
Dimensions: 165 ft × 31 ft × 11 ft
Condition: Intact, upright on silt bottom
Cause of Loss: Grounded on submerged reef
Discovery Date: 1970
Discovered By: Private divers
Method: Dive exploration
Legal Notes: Listed on National Register of Historic Places (1984)
Hazards: Depth, thermocline, remote location
Permits Required: Yes (Isle Royale National Park)