Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Northern Indiana
• Type: Sidewheeler Steamer
• Year Built: 1852
• Builder: Bidwell & Banta
• Dimensions: Length: 300 ft 6 in (91.5 m); Beam: 36 ft 10 in; Depth of hold: 13 ft 8 in
• Registered Tonnage: 1,475 50/95 (old style tonnage)
• Depth at Wreck Site: 8 m / 25 ft
• Location: Point Pelee, Lake Erie
• Coordinates: N 41 53.879 W 82 30.599
• Original Owners: Michigan Southern Railroad Company, Buffalo, New York

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Northern Indiana was a large sidewheeler steamer, one of the significant steamships of its time on the Great Lakes. Built in 1852, this vessel was designed to transport both passengers and freight across the waters of Lake Erie. Its robust wooden construction, combined with a powerful low-pressure steam engine, allowed it to serve as a vital link between major ports such as Buffalo, New York, and Toledo, Ohio.

Description

The Northern Indiana had a brief yet eventful operational history on the Great Lakes. Below is a chronological overview of its service:

• March 20, 1852: The Northern Indiana was launched in Buffalo, New York. Soon after, it embarked on a trial trip, which was noted for being one of the quickest of its time. However, the trial was marred by a collision with the steamship Golden Gate in Buffalo.
• 1852-1856: Over the next few years, the Northern Indiana continued to operate as a significant vessel in the Michigan Southern Railroad Company’s fleet. It was involved in several notable incidents, including:
  • Collision with the Schooner Lewis Cass: This incident occurred on the Maumee River in Lake Erie, causing damage to both vessels.
  • Collision with the Schooner Plymouth: The collision happened off Cleveland, Ohio, resulting in further damage that necessitated repairs in Cleveland.
  • Gale Damage and Grounding: The vessel sustained damage during a gale and was also grounded in Toledo Bay. Other incidents included being holed by an anchor in Monroe, Michigan, and experiencing multiple machinery breakdowns on Lake Erie.
• July 17, 1856: The Northern Indiana met its tragic end while en route from Buffalo, New York, to Toledo, Ohio. The steamship caught fire off Point Pelee in Lake Erie. Despite rescue efforts by the steamer Mississippi and the propeller Republic, 30 lives were lost in the disaster. The vessel was carrying a mix of passengers and miscellaneous freight at the time of the incident.

History

The Northern Indiana serves as a stark reminder of the perils faced by steamships navigating the Great Lakes in the mid-19th century. Built in 1852, this sidewheeler was a testament to the engineering advancements of its time, yet its fate was sealed by a tragic fire just four years after it was launched. The loss of 30 lives in the incident underscores the dangers inherent in early steamship travel. Despite the vessel’s untimely end, the Northern Indiana remains a significant part of Great Lakes maritime history, illustrating the risks and challenges faced by those who sailed these inland seas.

Significant Incidents

• Collision with the Schooner Lewis Cass: Damage occurred on the Maumee River in Lake Erie.
• Collision with the Schooner Plymouth: Damage necessitated repairs in Cleveland.
• Gale Damage and Grounding: The vessel sustained damage during a gale and was grounded in Toledo Bay.
• Fire Incident: Caught fire off Point Pelee, resulting in the loss of 30 lives.

Final Disposition

• Date of Loss: July 17, 1856
• Cause of Loss: Fire, followed by sinking
• Crew & Passengers: Approximately 30 lives lost
• Final Cargo: Passengers and miscellaneous freight
• Rescue Efforts: Survivors were rescued by the steamer Mississippi and the propeller Republic.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck of the Northern Indiana lies at a depth of approximately 25 feet (8 meters) in Lake Erie, near Point Pelee. The site is accessible for diving, but conditions may vary based on weather and water clarity.

Resources & Links

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The Northern Indiana remains a poignant chapter in the maritime history of the Great Lakes, illustrating the risks faced by early steamships and the tragic consequences of maritime disasters.