Shipwreck Name: Niagara
Location: Lake Michigan, Port Washington, WI

Vessel Type: steam paddle
Location: Port Washington, WI
Vessel Build Info: 1845, Jacob W. Banta, Buffalo, NY
Shipwreck Specs: 225 x 34 x 14
Hull Material: wood

Service History

The Niagara was launched on April 15, 1846, after a year of construction, and immediately stood out as one of the largest and most advanced steamers on the Great Lakes. At 245 feet in length, it was second in size only to the Empire, but was expected to carry greater cargo and generate higher profits. Contemporary accounts praised its speed—exceeding 15 miles per hour—and its luxurious accommodations. The vessel reflected the combined efforts of prominent Great Lakes figures, including businessman Charles M. Reed, the Buffalo shipbuilders Bidwell and Banta, and noted marine engine builder James P. Allaire.

Built for the Buffalo-to-Chicago trade, the Niagara initially encountered difficulties when it grounded at the St. Clair Flats during its first westbound voyage. Despite this setback, it returned to Buffalo carrying a diverse cargo that included butter, furs, flour, and lead. Soon after, the vessel demonstrated its capabilities by setting a record return time from Chicago, completing the trip in approximately 70 hours and arriving well ahead of schedule. During its first season, the Niagara operated regular biweekly trips, transporting both cargo and passengers until late-season low water levels limited operations.

In the following years, the Niagara continued steady service between Buffalo and Chicago, though references to the vessel became less frequent in historical records. By 1851, as newer vessels entered service, it was chartered—along with other steamers—to support the New York and Erie Railroad, transporting passengers between Detroit and Dunkirk. That same year, the Niagara was involved in a collision on the Detroit River with the brig Lucy A. Blossom, marking a significant incident late in the season.

By 1855, with the expansion of rail connections linking Toronto to the Great Lakes, the Niagara was again chartered to support rail travel, operating between Collingwood, Ontario, and Chicago. This would be its final season of service.

Final Voyage

On September 24, 1856, the Niagara caught fire while underway off the coast of Wisconsin. As the fire spread, passengers and crew were forced to abandon the vessel, either jumping into the water or boarding lifeboats. Some survivors were rescued by nearby vessels, including the schooners Dan Marble and Pilot, as well as the steamer Travelor.

The vessel ultimately sank approximately one mile offshore south of Belgium, Wisconsin, and its cargo was declared a total loss. Although the Niagara carried lifeboats, complications during the evacuation led to significant loss of life. Confusion and panic during the incident, along with conflicting reports, have left the exact cause of the fire undetermined. Captain F.S. Miller survived the disaster, and no salvage efforts were recorded.

Present Day Overview

The location of the Niagara was largely forgotten for decades after its loss, despite the value of its cargo and machinery. Interest in the wreck was renewed in the 1950s and 1960s with the rise of recreational scuba diving, leading to its rediscovery.

Today, the main wreck lies in approximately 55 feet of water and consists primarily of the aft section of the vessel. The hull is broken just forward of the machinery space, with the sides collapsed outward at the turn of the bilge and resting flat along the lakebed. Structural elements such as the central keelson and two floor keelsons remain visible, along with key components of the vessel’s machinery.

The engine, walking beam, and triple firebox boilers are still present, with the boilers located slightly north of the main wreck site. Portions of the paddlewheels also survive, though they are largely broken apart. The hubs and inner spokes remain attached, and the portside wheel is better preserved, with some of the original buckets still in place.

Additional Info: Niagara (1845) – WI Shipwrecks