S.S. Wisconsin History
The steamer Wisconsin led an adventurous and tumultuous life before finally resting on the lake bed near Kenosha, WI, on October 29, 1929. Built by the renowned Goodrich Line, the vessel was launched with great fanfare on October 11, 1881, in Wyandotte, Michigan. She was a 209 ft long steel steamship. Originally christened the Wisconsin, the steamer quickly became a staple of Great Lakes travel, ferrying passengers and cargo across the expansive waters

In 1886, the Wisconsin was sold to the Crosby Line and rechristened the Naomi. Under her new name, she faced one of her most harrowing challenges. On May 21, 1907, a fierce fire erupted in the middle of Lake Michigan, threatening to send the Naomi to a watery grave. As flames engulfed the ship, it seemed all hope was lost. But fate intervened when the bulk freighter Curry appeared on the horizon. In a daring rescue operation, the Curry’s crew managed to tow the burning Naomi to the shipyards in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, where she underwent a complete rebuilding.

The Naomi’s story took another dramatic turn in 1912. Her owner, Mr. Crosby, tragically perished in the infamous sinking of the Titanic. In his memory, the ship was renamed the E.G. Crosby. The steamer’s role shifted again in 1918 when World War I necessitated her transformation into a convalescent hospital ship. Renamed the General Robert O’Reiley, she served the United States Shipping Board, providing care and comfort to wounded soldiers.

With the war’s end, the ship’s identity continued to evolve. Purchased by the Seymour Line, she became the Pilgrim, only to return to her original owners, the Goodrich Company, when the Seymour Line failed. Reclaiming her original name, the Wisconsin resumed her voyages, a testament to resilience and adaptability.

Through fires, wars, and ownership changes, the steamer Wisconsin’s legacy is one of survival and transformation, embodying the spirit of the Great Lakes and the people who relied on her.

Final Voyage
On the fateful evening of October 29, 1929, the steamer Wisconsin faced her ultimate challenge. Just days after the tragic loss of the car ferry Milwaukee, a fierce northeasterly gale roared across Lake Michigan, casting the Wisconsin into perilous waters off the coast of Kenosha, Wisconsin. Laden with a heavy cargo of iron castings, automobiles, and a substantial amount of boxed freight, the ship struggled as her load shifted dangerously.

Amid the howling winds and crashing waves, the Wisconsin’s pumps failed to cope with the influx of water. The ship was taking on water at an alarming rate, and it became clear that she was in dire straits. Fortunately, being close to Kenosha, help was within reach. The brave crew of the tugboat Search, along with two Coast Guard vessels and a local fishing boat, rushed to the scene.

The tugboat Search managed to rescue some of the crew and all of the passengers, providing a glimmer of hope in the tempestuous night. However, Captain and several crew members remained aboard, determined to save their beloved ship. They awaited the arrival of the Wisconsin’s running mate, the steamer Illinois, which had set out from Milwaukee as soon as the distress call was received.

Despite a valiant effort, the Illinois arrived too late. In the early hours of the morning, the Wisconsin succumbed to the relentless onslaught of the storm and suddenly plunged beneath the waves. Nine crew members, some trapped within the vessel and others struggling in the frigid waters, went down with her. The Captain was pulled from the lake, clinging to life, but sadly, he later succumbed to the ordeal on shore.

The sinking of the Wisconsin marked a tragic end to a storied vessel, a symbol of resilience and courage. The loss was a somber reminder of the relentless power of nature and the perilous conditions faced by those who navigated the Great Lakes.

Today
She sits upright six miles east of Kenosha in 110ft to 130ft, remarkably well-preserved despite her long submersion. The Great Lakes, with their near-constant temperatures hovering around 40°F at the bottom, create a unique environment that keeps shipwrecks more intact than their oceanic counterparts. The fresh water and limited marine life also contribute to the preservation of these underwater relics.

Though the superstructure of the Wisconsin is gone, her I-beams and supports remain, standing as skeletal reminders of her former glory. Inside the cargo holds, machinery and cargo are still visible, telling silent stories of a bygone era. Among the relics lie three automobiles: a Hudson, an Essex, and a Chevrolet touring car. These vehicles, located on the port side closer to the stern, have become more accessible recently, inviting trained and experienced divers to explore their submerged secrets.

The ship’s elevator, once used to lower and raise cargo, is still discernible within the wreck, a testament to the engineering marvels of the past. The Wisconsin has become a frequented site for burbot fish, adding a touch of life to the sunken vessel. Despite the passage of time, she remains a fascinating underwater museum, offering a glimpse into the past for those who venture into her depths.

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