Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Keystone State
- Type: Side-wheel paddle steamer (wood)
- Year Built: 1849 (launched 1848)
- Builder: Bidwell & Banta, Buffalo, New York
- Dimensions: 288 ft × 35 ft (63 ft over guards) × 14 ft
- Registered Tonnage: ~1,354 gross tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 53 m / 175 ft
- Location: Lake Huron, ~40–50 miles NE of Harrisville, Michigan
- Coordinates: Exact coordinates withheld
- Official Number: Not recorded
- Original Owners: Charles M. Reed’s Chicago Line (original)
- Number of Masts: Not specified
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Keystone State was a large wooden side-wheel passenger and freight steamer.
Description
The Keystone State was built in 1848 and launched in 1849. Measuring 288 feet in length, with a beam of 35 feet (63 feet over guards) and a depth of 14 feet, she was rated at 1,354 gross tons. The vessel was capable of carrying up to 800 passengers and 6,000 barrels of freight, featuring opulent fittings that made her one of the finest Great Lakes steamers of her era.
History
Operated by Charles M. Reed’s “Chicago Line,” the Keystone State regularly ran routes between Buffalo, Detroit, and Chicago. During the Panic of 1857, she was laid up and later refurbished. By late 1861, she had re-entered service under Captain Wilkes Travers. Her reported cargo on the final voyage included farm machinery, though there were rumors of Civil War-related shipments or even gold.
On 8 November 1861, the vessel departed Detroit bound for Milwaukee. She was last sighted on 9–10 November off Port Austin, Michigan, struggling in a heavy gale. Witnesses reported her rolling heavily before she foundered rapidly in storm conditions. Wreckage soon washed ashore near Pointe Aux Barques and farther north. All 33 aboard were lost.
Significant Incidents
- 10 November 1861: The Keystone State foundered in a storm off Port Austin, Lake Huron, with all 33 crew members lost.
Final Disposition
The vessel foundered in a storm off Port Austin, Lake Huron, resulting in a complete loss with no survivors. Wreckage was observed onshore within days. The wreck site remained undiscovered until 2013.
Current Condition & Accessibility
In July 2013, shipwreck hunter David Trotter located the wreck site in approximately 175 ft (53 m) of water, about 40–50 miles northeast of Harrisville, Michigan, using side-scan sonar. The paddle wheels, boilers, and engine remain upright, while the hull is largely collapsed. No trace of her rumored cargo was found.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”keystone-state-1848″ title=”References & Links”]
The Keystone State serves as a poignant reminder of the maritime history of the Great Lakes and the dangers faced by vessels during severe weather conditions.
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.
Lead Image
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
Description
The Keystone State was a large wooden side-wheel passenger and freight steamer built at Buffalo, New York, in 1848 by Bidwell & Banta and launched in 1849. Measuring 288 feet in length with a beam of 35 feet (63 ft over guards) and depth of 14 feet, she was rated at 1,354 gross tons and carried up to 800 passengers and 6,000 barrels of freight. Her opulent fittings made her one of the finest Great Lakes steamers of her era.History
Operated by Charles M. Reed’s “Chicago Line,” Keystone State regularly ran routes between Buffalo, Detroit, and Chicago. During the Panic of 1857, she was laid up and later refurbished. By late 1861 she had re-entered service under Captain Wilkes Travers. Her reported cargo on the final voyage was farm machinery, though contemporary rumors suggested Civil War-related shipments or even gold. On 8 November 1861, the vessel departed Detroit bound for Milwaukee. She was last sighted on 9–10 November off Port Austin, Michigan, laboring in a heavy gale. Witnesses reported her rolling heavily before foundering rapidly in storm conditions. Wreckage soon washed ashore near Pointe Aux Barques and farther north. All 33 aboard were lost.Final Dispositions
The vessel foundered in a storm off Port Austin, Lake Huron. The loss was complete, with no survivors. Wreckage was observed onshore within days. The wreck site remained undiscovered until 2013.Located By & Date Found
In July 2013, shipwreck hunter David Trotter located the wreck site in 175 ft (53 m) of water, approximately 40–50 miles northeast of Harrisville, Michigan, using side-scan sonar. The paddle wheels, boilers, and engine remain upright; the hull is largely collapsed. No trace of her rumored cargo was found.Notmars & Advisories
None noted. Site lies in open Lake Huron waters; recreational diving access limited due to depth.Dive Information
Access: Charter boat required Entry Point: Harrisville, Alpena, or Presque Isle, Michigan Conditions: Cold freshwater; variable visibility; occasional currents Depth Range: ~175 ft (53 m) Emergency Contacts: USCG Sector Sault Sainte Marie; local Alpena EMS Permits: Michigan Antiquities laws apply Dive Support: Charters from Alpena/Presque Isle regionCrew & Casualty Memorials
All 33 aboard were lost. Names and identities not fully documented in accessible records. Contemporary newspaper obituaries and shipping casualty reports may yield further crew details. No known memorials dedicated exclusively to Keystone State.Documented Statements & Extracts
“She was last seen off Port Austin, Michigan, rolling heavily in the seas. Shortly after, she disappeared from view, and wreckage was found along the shoreline.” — Detroit Free Press, November 1861
Registry, Enrollment & Insurance Trails
Official number not located. Operated by Charles M. Reed’s Chicago Line. Insurance and cargo records remain incomplete. Enrollment data may be located in Buffalo or Cleveland maritime archives.Site Documentation & Imaging
Located in 2013 by David Trotter. Side-scan sonar and ROV surveys confirm semi-collapsed hull, intact paddle wheels, boilers, and upright engine. Photographic documentation available through Trotter’s reports and subsequent dive expeditions.Image Gallery
Resources & Links
- Wikipedia: Keystone State (1849)
- ShipwreckWorld – Keystone State Discovery
- Chronicling America (Library of Congress)
- Great Lakes Vessels Database (BGSU/HCGL)
References
- “Keystone State (1849),” Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keystone_State_(1849)
- ShipwreckWorld – “Keystone State Discovery,” David Trotter expedition (2013)
- Detroit Free Press, November 1861 storm casualty reports (Chronicling America)
- Great Lakes Vessels Database, BGSU/HCGL – enrollment records