Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

Atlanta (1891)

Explore the wreck of the ATLANTA, a luxurious wooden steamer lost to fire in 1906, now resting in Lake Michigan, offering unique dive opportunities.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: ATLANTA
  • Type: Wooden passenger and packet freight steamer
  • Year Built: 1891
  • Builder: Cleveland Dry Dock Company, Cleveland, Ohio
  • Dimensions: Length: Approximately 171 ft (52.1 m); Beam; Depth of hold
  • Depth at Wreck Site: 5.2 m / 17 ft
  • Location: 14 miles south of Sheboygan, Wisconsin
  • Coordinates: Near Cedar Grove Hawk Research Station, 800 feet from shore
  • Original Owners: Goodrich Transportation Company

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Wooden passenger and packet freight steamer.

Description

The ATLANTA was a luxurious vessel featuring mahogany doors, embossed wall coverings, plush carpeting, and advanced fire safety features, including a sprinkler system installed prior to 1906.

History

Initially operated between Chicago, IL, and Muskegon and Grand Haven, MI, the ATLANTA later expanded its service to Green Bay, Marinette, and other ports along Wisconsin’s Lake Michigan shoreline. It was known for its comfort and reliability, playing a significant role in connecting Midwest cities with Lake Michigan communities during the peak of steamship travel.

Significant Incidents

  • Date: March 18, 1906
  • Details: A fire broke out in the hold while steaming along the western Lake Michigan route. Despite the crew’s efforts and the sprinkler system, the fire spread rapidly. Nearby vessels, including the Smith Brothers fishing tug TESSLER and the Goodrich steamer GEORGIA, assisted in the rescue.
  • Rescue: All passengers and crew (except one fatality) were rescued and transferred to the GEORGIA. The TESSLER towed the burning vessel closer to shore.
  • Outcome: The vessel burned to the waterline and sank.

Final Disposition

The ATLANTA lies parallel to shore on a sandy bottom near Cedar Grove Hawk Research Station. The lower hull remains largely intact, though the upper decks, machinery, and much of the cargo were destroyed by fire, salvage, and looting. Sand and organic material periodically cover and uncover sections of the wreck, revealing artifacts and structural components.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Visibility conditions vary based on water clarity, but when the water is calm and clear, the wreck site can be viewed from the surface. The site is monitored for preservation and further study.

Resources & Links

References are being reviewed for this wreck.

Divers are encouraged to explore the ATLANTA responsibly, adhering to the principle of ‘leave only bubbles, take only memories.’ The wreck offers a unique glimpse into Great Lakes shipping history and the opulence of early 20th-century passenger vessels.