Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Badger
- Type: Wooden-hull, steam-paddle harbor boat
- Year Built: 1837
- Builder: M. Hubbell
- Dimensions: Not recorded, typical harbor launch proportions
- Registered Tonnage: ~50 gross tons
- Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Coordinates: N 43°00.859′, W 087°53.628′
- Original Owners: Byron Kilbourn and D. S. Hollister
- Number of Masts: No masts
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Type: Wooden-hull, steam-paddle harbor boat (no masts)
Description
The Badger was the first harbor steamboat built in Milwaukee, outfitted for shallow-water work rather than open-lake voyages. She operated beginning in late 1837, transporting passengers and cargo between the foot of Chestnut Street and anchored ships in Milwaukee Bay, calling at Chase’s Point about hourly. She also offered auxiliary towing services for vessels entering or leaving port, handled directly through the captain on board.
History
The Badger was constructed in 1837 by M. Hubbell in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. As one of the earliest vessels in the city, she played a significant role in the development of local maritime infrastructure, reflecting Milwaukee’s ambition as a port and commercial center on Lake Michigan. Her design was ideal for harbor navigation, showcasing how early vessels served Great Lakes commerce before deeper-draft steamers became commonplace.
Significant Incidents
- Abandoned in harbor following dredging operations in Milwaukee Bay, likely sidelined as the harbor infrastructure developed and deeper dredging rendered her too shallow-draft or obsolete.
- An alternate account suggests she was wrecked onshore south of the river mouth in 1837, possibly during early construction or storms, though this may reflect confusion with another early vessel.
Final Disposition
Given the dredging timeline and lack of severe-storm records for that first year, the abandonment scenario appears most credible. She likely remained moored until harbor expansion rendered her unusable, then left in shallow water or ashore, where she decayed naturally over time.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The current condition of the Badger is uncertain, but it is believed that she deteriorated in shallow water or onshore after being abandoned.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”badger-1837″ title=”References & Links”]
The Badger marks a significant milestone in Milwaukee’s maritime history, representing the city’s early efforts to establish itself as a key player in Great Lakes commerce.
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.
Milwaukee’s Pioneer Harbor Steamboat (1837)
Identification & Construction
- Type: Wooden-hull, steam‑paddle harbor boat (no masts)
- Built: 1837 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin by M. Hubbell
- Tonnage: ~50 gross tons
- Dimensions: Not recorded, typical harbor launch proportions
- Owners: Byron Kilbourn and D. S. Hollister (prominent pioneers of Milwaukee’s Kilbourntown) (wisconsinshipwrecks.org)
Operational History
- The first harbor steamboat built in Milwaukee, and one of the earliest vessels constructed in the young city, Badger was outfitted for shallow-water work rather than open-lake voyages.
- She operated beginning in late 1837, transporting passengers and cargo between the foot of Chestnut Street and anchored ships in Milwaukee Bay, calling at Chase’s Point about hourly. She also offered auxiliary towing services for vessels entering or leaving port, handled directly through the captain on board (wisconsinshipwrecks.org).
Final Disposition
Two conflicting records describe her demise:
- Abandoned in harbor following dredging operations in Milwaukee Bay—likely sidelined as the harbor infrastructure developed and deeper dredging rendered her too shallow‑draft or obsolete.
- An alternate account suggests she was wrecked onshore south of the river mouth in 1837—possibly during early construction or storms, though this may reflect confusion with another early vessel.
Given the dredging timeline and lack of severe-storm records for that first year, the abandonment scenario appears most credible. She likely remained moored until harbor expansion rendered her unusable, then left in shallow water or ashore, where she decayed naturally over time (baillod.com, wisconsinshipwrecks.org).
Summary Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Vessel | Badger |
| Builder / Year | M. Hubbell, Milwaukee, 1837 |
| Type / Tonnage | Wooden paddle steamboat, ~50 gross tons |
| Function | Harbor service: freight, passengers, towing |
| Fate | Abandoned in Milwaukee Harbor (most likely) |
| Alternative Account | Wrecked onshore south of river mouth in 1837 |
| Final Status | Deteriorated in shallow water / onshore |
Historical Significance
- Badger marks the very first steamboat constructed in Milwaukee, reflecting the city’s early ambition as a port and commercial center on Lake Michigan.
- Her design—small and shallow-drafted—was ideal for harbor navigation and showed how early maritime infrastructure served Great Lakes commerce before deeper-draft steamers became commonplace.
Recommendations for Further Research
- Milwaukee local newspapers (1837–1840): The Milwaukee Advertiser and city records could shed light on her construction, early operation, and eventual retirement or wrecking.
- Port engineering archives: Dredging records or harbor design files may reference removal or abandonment of early vessels like Badger.
- Historical societies: The Milwaukee County Historical Society or Milwaukee Public Library’s marine archives may hold logbooks, dockage records, or surveys mentioning Badger.
- Archaeological reconnaissance: A shallow-water survey near the reported coordinates (N 43°00.859′, W 087°53.628′) could detect hull remnants or debris consistent with a small early steamboat.