Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: WILLIAM F. P. TAYLOR
• Type: Sidewheel Steamer, Wood-Hulled
• Year Built: 1835
• Builder: John McGowan
• Dimensions: Length: 88 ft (26.8 m); Beam: 18 ft (5.5 m); Depth of hold: 7 ft (2.1 m)
• Registered Tonnage: 95 tonnage (Old Style)
• Location: Near Michigan City, Indiana
• Official Number: None (pre-dates official registration systems)
• Original Owners: Unknown
• Number of Masts: None

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The WILLIAM F. P. TAYLOR was a sidewheel steamer, a common design in the early steam era on the Great Lakes. These vessels featured large paddle wheels mounted on either side of the hull, driven by steam engines. They were popular for their speed and ability to navigate shallow harbors, making them ideal for passenger and package freight service during the expansion of commerce around the Great Lakes.

Description

Built in 1835 by John McGowan at Silver Creek, New York, the WILLIAM F. P. TAYLOR represented an early generation of Great Lakes steamers. She was relatively small, at just 95 tons, and designed for regional transportation of passengers and freight, likely operating routes along Lake Erie, Lake Michigan, and their connecting waterways.

In 1836, the vessel suffered her first major disaster when she burned at Cattaraugus Creek, along the Lake Erie shoreline, resulting in the loss of one life. Despite the damage, she was repaired and returned to service, demonstrating the resilience and economic importance of steam vessels during this period.

Following the loss of the steamer DETROIT in 1837, a group of Chicago entrepreneurs chartered the WILLIAM F. P. TAYLOR to maintain vital shipping connections in the rapidly growing region. This reflects the vessel’s versatility and the growing demand for reliable transportation to support the settlement and trade boom in the Midwest.

Her final voyage ended tragically in September 1838 when she was caught in a violent storm near Michigan City, Indiana. The vessel was stranded just outside the pier and ultimately broke in two, leading to her being declared a total loss. Some historical accounts suggest that she may have experienced a fire aboard either during or after the incident, although this detail remains uncertain.

History

The WILLIAM F. P. TAYLOR was built during a time of rapid development in steam navigation on the Great Lakes. Her construction in 1835 marked her as one of the early steamers designed for commercial service. The vessel’s operational history reflects the growing demand for transportation in the region, particularly after the establishment of Chicago as a major port.

Significant Incidents

• 1836: Suffered a fire at Cattaraugus Creek, resulting in one fatality.
• 1838: Caught in a storm near Michigan City, Indiana, leading to her stranding and breaking in two.

Final Disposition

The WILLIAM F. P. TAYLOR was considered beyond recovery after breaking apart near Michigan City. Early Great Lakes shipwrecks like hers were often left in place, salvaged only for valuable machinery or fittings. The wreck site’s exact location remains undocumented, and there’s no known record of later recovery efforts.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The current condition of the wreck is unknown, as it has not been documented or explored since its loss. The site may be buried under sediment or otherwise obscured, making it inaccessible for divers.

Resources & Links

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The WILLIAM F. P. TAYLOR exemplifies the early era of steam navigation on the Great Lakes, a time when steam technology was transforming transportation and commerce. Despite suffering two catastrophic incidents—a fire in 1836 and her final wreck in 1838—the vessel’s career reflects both the opportunities and perils faced by early mariners. Her loss near Michigan City underscores the vulnerability of wooden sidewheel steamers to the region’s unpredictable weather and challenging navigation conditions.