Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Emerald
- Type: Steamer
- Year Built: 1862
- Builder:
- Dimensions: Specific dimensions not provided.
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Near Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Lake Superior
- Coordinates: 46.586137, -90.905725
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Emerald was a steamer, a common vessel type during the mid-to-late 19th century, often used for freight or passenger services across the Great Lakes.
Description
The steamer Emerald served the bustling commerce routes of the Great Lakes during the peak of steamboat activity in the region. Built in 1862, it would have been designed to handle the demands of transportation and cargo typical of the era, a period marked by rapid industrial expansion. Steamers were crucial for connecting communities and industries across the lakes.
By the turn of the century, advancements in shipbuilding and the rise of steel-hulled vessels likely rendered the Emerald outdated, leading to its abandonment in 1903.
History
The Emerald was launched in 1862 and operated on the Great Lakes, contributing to the transportation of goods and passengers during a significant period of maritime history. Its operational life came to an end when it was abandoned in 1903, as newer technologies and vessel designs emerged.
Significant Incidents
- Abandoned in 1903 due to obsolescence.
Final Disposition
Abandoned in 1903, its final location or condition remains unspecified.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The coordinates 46.586137, -90.905725 place the Emerald near Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, in Lake Superior, off the northern Wisconsin coast. The nearest landmark would likely be Outer Island, part of the Apostle Islands, or the mainland community of Cornucopia, Wisconsin, approximately 20-25 km to the south-southwest.
No specific obstructions or advisories related to the wreck are documented.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”emerald-1862″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
The Emerald serves as a historical relic of Great Lakes maritime history, reflecting the evolution of shipping technology and the eventual obsolescence of earlier vessel designs. Additional research could reveal its operational history and potential archaeological significance.
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