Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Vandalia (briefly renamed Milwaukee after 1846)
- Type: Wooden-hulled propeller steamer
- Year Built: 1841
- Builder: Doolittle or Bronson & Crocker
- Dimensions: 127 × 20 × 8 ft; ~248 tons burden
- Registered Tonnage: ~248 tons
- Location: Off Point Pelee, Lake Erie
- Official Number: None (some early propellers lacked formal numbers)
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Vandalia was a wooden-hulled propeller steamer, recognized as the first propeller-driven vessel on the Great Lakes. It was designed to carry both passengers and merchandise.
Description
Built in 1841 at Oswego, New York, the Vandalia measured 127 feet in length, 20 feet in beam, and had a depth of 8 feet. It was a significant advancement in maritime technology, marking a shift from sail to propeller-driven vessels.
History
The Vandalia embarked on its final voyage from the Point Pelee area on October 27, 1851, navigating in dense fog. During this voyage, it was involved in a collision with the schooner Fashion, which led to its rapid sinking. At the time of the collision, the Vandalia was carrying the rescued crew of the schooner Prince Albert, which it had saved earlier that day.
Significant Incidents
- Collision with the schooner Fashion in darkness and heavy fog, resulting in the rapid sinking of the Vandalia.
- All aboard, including the rescued crew and the original complement of the Vandalia, were safely evacuated with no loss of life recorded.
Final Disposition
The Vandalia sank off Point Pelee in Lake Erie. Its loss was significant, as it marked a pivotal moment in maritime technology and safety practices on inland waters.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck site is believed to be submerged in 30-50 feet of water. As a wooden steamer, remnants may include iron machinery, propeller shaft, boilers, and hull fasteners. A survey plan is recommended to locate and document the wreck.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”vandaliamilwaukee-1841″ title=”References & Links”]
The Vandalia remains an important part of Great Lakes maritime history, representing the transition to propeller-driven navigation and the evolving safety regulations of the time.
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.
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Vandalia (briefly renamed Milwaukee after 1846)
- Official No.: None (some early propellers lacked formal numbers)
- Built: 1841 at Oswego, New York, by Doolittle or Bronson & Crocker; 127 × 20 × 8 ft; ~248 tons burden
- Type: Wooden-hulled propeller steamer carrying passengers and merchandise—considered the first propeller-driven vessel on the Great Lakes (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
- Final Voyage: Departed from Point Pelee area in dense fog on October 27, 1851
- Loss Location: Off Point Pelee, Lake Erie
Collision & Sinking
- In darkness and heavy fog, Vandalia collided with the schooner Fashion, causing her rapid sinking
- At the time of collision, she was carrying the rescued crew of the schooner Prince Albert, which she had saved earlier that day (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
- All aboard—including the rescued crew and Vandalia‘s original complement—were safely evacuated; no loss of life was recorded (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Historical Importance
- First propeller-driven vessel on the Great Lakes (arrived 1842 via Welland Canal); her loss signaled a pivotal shift in maritime technology and vessel safety practices on inland waters (RootsWeb)
- Sinking occurred during a period when propellers and sail-powered vessels shared congested lake routes—her loss contributed to evolving navigation regulations during fog conditions (npshistory.com)
Archival & Research Gaps
- Construction Records: Yard documentation—Oswego shipbuilder records or U.S. Customs enrollment may hold build plans
- Tow or Voyage Details: Logs regarding her rescue of Prince Albert and intent at the time of collision
- Crew Manifests: Names and roles of the rescue crew and original crew aboard Vandalia
- Court or Board Investigation: Collision inquiry files from state or marine authorities—likely archived in Toledo/Milwaukee district
- Salvage Reports: Newspaper accounts may describe wreck aftermath—salvage of cargo or machinery
Wreck & Survey Considerations
- Possible Wreck Site: Off Point Pelee, Lake Erie—likely submerged in 30–50 ft of water
- Condition: As a wooden steamer, remnants may include iron machinery, propeller shaft, boilers, and hull fasteners
- Survey Plan:
- Review 1851 chartings and drift data to estimate sinking location
- Conduct side-scan sonar and magnetometer survey near Pelee Passage
- If located, enlist ROV documentation or dive exploration to map the wreck
- Collaborate with Ontario marine archaeological authorities due to proximity to the Canada–U.S. border
Recommended Next Steps
- Submit records requests for marine inquiry and collision hearings post-Wreck
- Search Ontario and Michigan newspapers from October–November 1851 for detailed reports
- Coordinate with local maritime museums or underwater heritage groups on a joint wreck search
- Analyze the Vandalia‘s role in early Great Lakes propeller navigation and its operational lifespan from 1842–1851