Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: F. W. Backus
- Type: Wooden-hulled steam propeller
- Year Built: 1846
- Builder: Bates, Amherstburg, Ontario (built as Earl Cathcart, renamed F. W. Backus in 1852)
- Dimensions: 134.6 ft (41 m) length × 25.2 ft beam × 9.1 ft depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: ~368 GRT
- Location: Offshore near Racine, Wisconsin
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Type: Wooden-hulled steam propeller
Description
F. W. Backus was a wooden-hulled steam propeller built in 1846, originally named Earl Cathcart. It was renamed in 1852 and served primarily for passenger and freight transport across Lake Michigan.
History
The vessel was constructed by Bates in Amherstburg, Ontario, and was notable for its role in the 19th-century domestic Great Lakes shipping industry. It was designed to carry both passengers and freight, including livestock.
Significant Incidents
- Caught fire offshore near Racine, Wisconsin on November 25, 1866.
- Onboard were nine passengers, crew, and deck cargo including hay and livestock (horses, oxen, hogs).
- The vessel was intentionally beached to contain the blaze; all passengers and crew were evacuated safely.
- The vessel was destroyed by fire and declared a total loss, with no casualties reported.
Final Disposition
The wreck of the F. W. Backus likely remains in shallow waters or beached near the Racine shoreline. However, no formal underwater survey has been recorded to confirm its exact location.
Current Condition & Accessibility
As of now, the condition of the wreck is unknown due to the lack of surveys. The area may contain remnants or artifacts, but these have not been documented.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”f-w-backus-1846-earl-cathcart” title=”References & Links”]
The story of the F. W. Backus serves as a reminder of the risks associated with early steam vessels, particularly regarding fire hazards with flammable cargo. It also highlights successful emergency response efforts that ensured the safety of all onboard during the incident.
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.
Steam Propeller F. W. Backus (built 1846 – burned November 25, 1866)
Identification & Build
- Type: Wooden-hulled steam propeller
- Builder: Bates, Amherstburg, Ontario (built as Earl Cathcart, renamed F. W. Backus in 1852)
- Specs: 134.6 ft length × 25.2 ft beam × 9.1 ft depth of hold; ~368 GRT
- Purpose: Passenger and freight transport across Lake Michigan
Final Incident – November 25, 1866
- Caught fire offshore near Racine, Wisconsin
- Onboard: nine passengers, crew, plus deck cargo including hay and livestock (horses, oxen, hogs)
- Beached intentionally to contain the blaze; passengers and crew evacuated safely
- The vessel was destroyed by fire, declared a total loss—no casualties occurred
Aftermath & Wreck Site
- Wreck likely remains in shallow waters or beached near Racine shoreline, though no formal underwater survey has been recorded
- Livestock death not documented; hay likely intensified the blaze quickly
- Post-loss, insurance salvage actions may have occurred—common for vessels burned close to shore
Historical & Maritime Significance
- Highlights the risk of fire aboard early steam vessels, especially with flammable deck cargo like hay and livestock
- Demonstrates emergency response—successful passenger evacuation to safety despite the onboard blaze
- An example of 19th-century domestic Great Lakes passenger/freight service and its inherent dangers
Research & Exploration Opportunities
| Focus Area | Recommended Actions |
|---|---|
| Local Newspaper Archives | Search Racine Journal Times and Milwaukee Sentinel (late Nov 1866) for detailed fire reports and passenger rescue accounts |
| Registry & Insurance Records | Access Michigan or Wisconsin maritime logs and insurance claim files on the F. W. Backus for cargo valuation and hull details |
| Shoreline Survey | Conduct beach/nearshore reconnaissance near Racine to locate possible hull remnants or artifacts—use side-scan sonar or dive teams |
| Livestock Rescue Records | Investigate agricultural society or livestock insurance archives for records of the animals aboard |
Summary
- Name: F. W. Backus (ex-Earl Cathcart)
- Built: 1846, Ontario; steam propeller, wood—368 GRT
- Lost: Nov 25, 1866 – fire offshore near Racine; beached to save passengers
- Onboard: 9 passengers, crew, hay, horses, oxen, hogs
- Casualties: None recorded
- Significance: Exemplary 19th-century steam vessel fire; highlights fire risk with livestock and hay cargos