Identification & Site Information

Vessel Specifications

  • Type: Wooden sidewheel Steamer for passengers and package freight
  • Length: 174 ft (53 m)
  • Beam: 26.3 ft (8.0 m)
  • Depth of Hold: 11.9 ft (3.6 m)
  • Gross Tonnage: 513.78 tons
  • Propulsion: Sidewheel paddle steam with single mast, wooden Hull (wisconsinshipwrecks.org)

Description

The Baltimore was a wooden‐hulled, single‑masted sidewheel Steamer built for mixed cargo and passengers, primarily on the Lake Michigan–Great Lakes package freight route. Built of traditional heavy oak framing and planking, she carried a cargo of approximately 1,000 bushels each of corn and flour along with general supplies at the time of loss (wisconsinshipwrecks.org).

History & Service

Operated by Capt. McKnight from Detroit, the Baltimore served the passenger and freight trade, including stops at intermediate ports on northern Lake Michigan and routes toward Sault Ste. Marie. No specific crew names or casualty lists survive, and passenger manifests are not extant. There were no fatalities recorded in the accident (wisconsinshipwrecks.org).

Final Disposition

On 17 September 1855, departing Sheboygan bound for Sault Ste. Marie, the Baltimore weathered a severe gale. Having turned back, she anchored in Sheboygan Harbor where a wave shattered the forward cabin and toppled a funnel. When her anchor cable parted, she struck bottom and was driven ashore between the South Pier and Kirkland’s pier. Intense wave action broke the Hull apart, destroying the vessel. A subsequent account notes the remains—including Hull timbers, engines, boilers, fixtures, and cargo—were salvaged and purchased by W. King and C. Ramb of Milwaukee, then scrapped (wisconsinshipwrecks.org).

Located By & Date Found

  • There is no known archaeological identification or active dive site linked with the Baltimore. The wreck has not been located or formally documented underwater in dive records or marine surveys.

NOTMARs & Advisories

  • No formal Notices to Mariners or hazard bulletins are recorded. The wreck is not listed on the Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary or in regional registers.

Resources & Links

(Further resolution is limited by absence of identified remains or site coordinates in public archaeological records.)

Proposed Next Steps for Research

  • Consult archival newspapers from Sheboygan and Detroit circa September 1855 for eyewitness reports, passenger or crew lists, and salvage notices.
  • Search through HCGL (Bowling Green) casualty or enrollment records to identify Captain McKnight or crew.
  • Investigate Milwaukee salvage company (W. King and C. Ramb) records or insurance files for documentation on purchased wreck material.
  • Engage Lake Michigan marine survey logs or Coast Guard files for formal incident reporting on vessel loss.

Conclusion

The Baltimore stands as an early example of mid‑19th century sidewheel transport on Lake Michigan. While no lives were lost, the vessel succumbed to powerful autumn gales in a harbor known for hazardous conditions. Her wreck has yet to be located or examined archaeologically. Further archival research and survey effort might clarify her final resting place—and potentially expand our understanding of early steam‑powered traffic on the Great Lakes.