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.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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