Identification Card (Site Style)

Description

The Louisville was among the new generation of screw-propelled steamers that began replacing sidewheel steamers on the Great Lakes in the 1850s. Built in Buffalo in 1853 with two decks for both freight and passengers, she was fitted with a Shepard Iron Works high-pressure single-cylinder engine driving a single screw. With capacity for approximately 3,500 barrels, she was optimized for package freight while maintaining limited passenger accommodations.

History

• 20 August 1853 – Enrolled at Ogdensburg, NY for service between Lake Ontario and Lake Michigan ports.
• 21 September 1854 – Ownership transferred to Philo Chamberlin & John H. Crawford.
• 31 May 1856 – Northern Transportation Co. of Ogdensburg acquired the vessel.
• 10 October 1856 – Caught fire at dock in Ogdensburg and burned to the waterline; cargo largely saved. Hull repaired and returned to service.
• 29 September 1857 – En route from Chicago to St. Joseph, MI with flour and groceries, fire again broke out, this time off Calumet, Illinois. Vessel was consumed and lost.

Final Voyage

On 29 September 1857, the Louisville departed Chicago bound for St. Joseph, Michigan with a cargo of flour, grass seed, and hops. Fire broke out mid-lake near Calumet. Despite firefighting attempts, the blaze spread rapidly, forcing the crew to abandon ship. One lifeboat capsized during launching, resulting in one fatality. The vessel burned to the waterline and sank in ~60 feet of water.

Final Disposition

Declared a total constructive loss; no salvage was attempted. Vessel sank with her machinery intact on the bottom.

Located By & Date Found

The wreck of the Louisville is located off Calumet, Illinois, in approximately 60 feet of water. It has been surveyed and recorded, most recently with 3D photogrammetry by 3DShipwrecks.org.

NOTMARs & Advisories

None current; site is stable and documented.

Dive Information

Access: Boat dive from Calumet area
Conditions: Typical Lake Michigan Visibility (3–12 m), cold water with thermocline
Depth: ~60 ft (18 m)
Hazards: Machinery debris, entanglement
Emergency Contacts: USCG Station Calumet Harbor
Permits: Required for artifact removal; recreational diving permitted
Dive Support: Available out of Chicago and Calumet marinas

Site Documentation & Imaging

The wreck of the Louisville is disarticulated, with Hull sides lying outward from the Keel. Key features remain: engine, boiler, propeller shaft, thrust bearing, and propeller. At the bow is Anchor Chain and remains of the Windlass mechanism. The Firebox Boiler lies on end, steam drum broken off. The wooden engine base was destroyed by fire, leaving the cylinder standing on truss rods. The single-expansion engine is notable for its unique four-valve system with rotary action on separate intake and exhaust chests.

Explore the full 3D photogrammetry model here: Louisville 3D Model (3DShipwrecks.org)

3D Model

Resources & Links

• 3DShipwrecks.org – Louisville
• Great Lakes Vessels Database (BGSU/HCGL)
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Chronicling America – 19th Century Newspapers

References

1. Enrollment and ownership records, Ogdensburg, NY (1853–1857).
2. Maritime History of the Great Lakes – vessel registry notes.
3. Newspaper accounts, Buffalo Commercial, Chicago Tribune, 1856–1857.
4. 3DShipwrecks.org survey, 2025.

NOAA/WHS Shipwreck Record Card