U.S. Grant (1863)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: U.S. Grant
• Type: Steamer
• Year Built: 1863
• Builder:
• Dimensions: Length: Not specified; Beam; Depth of hold
• Registered Tonnage:
• Location: Lake Michigan – struck a harbor entrance while attempting entry during a gale
• Coordinates: Not available

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The U.S. Grant was a steam-powered vessel likely designed for either passenger and freight service or light commercial use around the Great Lakes. Vessels of this era often had wooden hulls with low-pressure steam engines and were increasingly vulnerable to storm damage by the 1880s.

Description

The U.S. Grant was a wooden steam vessel built in 1863, registered under the United States flag. It was involved in maritime activities on Lake Michigan until its loss in 1880.

History

On November 11, 1880, during a violent gale, the U.S. Grant attempted to enter harbor (exact location not specified—possibly a Lake Michigan port such as Chicago, Milwaukee, or Muskegon). Losing control in the storm, she struck the harbor entrance and sank. Despite the dramatic conditions, all four crew members survived the wreck. No further details on salvage efforts or insurance disposition are known, and the wreck’s final position is undocumented in most major archives.

Significant Incidents

• November 11, 1880: The U.S. Grant sank after striking a harbor entrance during a gale. All four crew members survived.

Final Disposition

Struck a harbor entry during a gale and sank. Presumed total loss. No known recovery or dive documentation.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The current condition of the wreck is unknown, and it remains undocumented in major archives.

Resources & Links

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As divers, it is essential to respect the site of the U.S. Grant. Remember to leave only bubbles and take only memories, ensuring that we preserve the history of this vessel for future generations.