Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: I.M. Weston
- Type: Steamer
- Year Built: 1883
- Builder: Duncan Robertson
- Dimensions: 97 ft (29.6 m) length x 18 ft (5.5 m) beam x 8 ft (2.4 m) depth
- Registered Tonnage: Gross Tonnage: 95 tons; Net Tonnage: 58 tons
- Location: Chicago River, Chicago, Illinois
- Official Number: 100325
- Original Owners: Chicago Drainage Canal Transportation Co.
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The I.M. Weston was a wooden-hulled, propeller-driven steamer originally built as a passenger vessel, later converted to a fruit boat, and eventually returned to passenger and freight service, including excursion runs along the Chicago River.
Description
Launched in 1883, the I.M. Weston was designed as a passenger steamer, suited for short-haul trips along the shores of Lake Michigan and river routes. Her modest size and shallow draft made her ideal for navigating the narrower waterways around Chicago and for transporting perishable goods, like fruit, during her time as a cargo vessel. Over her operational lifespan, she transitioned between roles, reflecting the dynamic nature of maritime commerce in the region during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
History
Built by Duncan Robertson in Grand Haven, Michigan, the I.M. Weston began her career as a passenger steamer, catering to the growing demand for waterborne transportation along the Lake Michigan shoreline. At some point in her career, she was converted into a fruit boat, capitalizing on the need to transport perishable goods efficiently across the lake.
Later, she returned to passenger service, offering excursion trips along the Chicago River—a popular activity during the era as Chicago expanded rapidly and recreational river tours became fashionable. By the early 1900’s, the vessel was owned by the Chicago Drainage Canal Transportation Co., a company likely involved in both commercial and leisure transportation on the waterways connected to the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal.
On September 4, 1902, while laid up for repairs in Chicago harbor, the I.M. Weston caught fire. The fire quickly consumed the wooden vessel, and despite efforts to control the blaze, she was completely destroyed and declared a total loss. Fortunately, no lives were lost in the incident, as the vessel was not in active service at the time.
Significant Incidents
- September 4, 1902: Caught fire while laid up for repairs in Chicago harbor, resulting in total loss.
Final Disposition
The I.M. Weston was burned to the waterline and declared a total loss in the Chicago River on September 4, 1902. No salvage or recovery efforts were recorded, and the remains were likely cleared from the harbor shortly thereafter.
Current Condition & Accessibility
No specific navigational warnings or obstructions related to the I.M. Weston have been issued.
Resources & Links
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The I.M. Weston exemplifies the versatility of Great Lakes steamers during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Her transitions from passenger steamer to fruit boat and back to passenger service reflect the shifting demands of regional commerce and transportation. While her career ended abruptly in a fire in 1902, her history is a small but significant part of Chicago’s rich maritime past, particularly during a period of rapid urban and industrial growth along the city’s waterways.
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