Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Wabash
- Type: Wooden propeller steamer
- Year Built: 1864
- Builder: Quayle & Martin, Cleveland, Ohio (unconfirmed)
- Dimensions: 208 ft (63.4 m) length; 34 ft (10.4 m) beam; 15 ft (4.6 m) depth
- Registered Tonnage: 925 gross tons
- Depth at Wreck Site: 43 m / 140 ft
- Location: Near Port Huron, Michigan
- Coordinates: Not documented
- Official Number: Unknown
- Original Owners: Union Steamboat Company (unverified)
- Number of Masts: Unknown
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Wabash was a wooden-hulled propeller steamer designed for general freight trade on the upper Great Lakes, powered by a compound steam engine and a single screw.
Description
The Wabash was reportedly constructed for carrying heavy bulk cargoes, including railroad iron and glassware, between industrial ports during the post-Civil War industrial expansion.
History
Launched in 1864 by Quayle & Martin in Cleveland, the Wabash served under the Union Steamboat Company, operating routes between Buffalo, Cleveland, Detroit, and Chicago.
On her final voyage on 14 August 1866, she departed Buffalo bound for Chicago but encountered a gale near Port Huron, began taking on water, and ultimately foundered.
Significant Incidents
- Final voyage on 14 August 1866, encountered a gale near Port Huron.
- Reported fatalities among the crew, though exact numbers are unknown.
Final Disposition
The Wabash is reported to lie in approximately 140 feet (43 meters) of water near Port Huron, with an intact hull and portions of her cargo visible, although no conclusive evidence has been documented.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Access to the wreck is by boat, with variable visibility and potential hazards due to submerged structures. Local dive charters may operate from Port Huron or Lexington.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”wabash-1864″ title=”References & Links”]
The Wabash remains an intriguing site for divers, with its historical significance and the mystery surrounding its loss and condition.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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