Prairie State (Built 1852 – Lost November 19, 1879)

Identification & Site Information

Vessel Type & Description

Commissioned as a propeller-driven Steamer, Prairie State represented early screw-Steamer technology when launched in 1852. She was later stripped of steam equipment and converted into a Schooner, characteristic of vessels adapting to changing economic demands. Her dimensions were approximately 137 ft × 24 ft × 17 ft (41.8 m × 7.3 m × 5.2 m), with a tonnage of around 428 last registered (greatlakesrex.wordpress.com).

History

Final Dispositions

On November 19, 1879, while laden with lumber entering Lake Huron near Sand Beach, Michigan, she was driven ashore during a severe storm and wrecked. Although USLS records and some newspaper accounts report one fatality, most marine sources list no deaths (greatlakesrex.wordpress.com).

Located By & Date Found

The site has not been formally surveyed or rediscovered. Wreck is believed to rest near Sand Beach but marked remains have not been documented.

NOTMARs & Advisories

No current marine navigational warnings or NOTMAR records associated with the wreck.

Resources & Links

Conclusion

The vessel’s multiple incidents—from fires in Oswego to capsizing in Detroit—reflect her long and turbulent career before ultimately succumbing to a storm in 1879. Today, Prairie State stands as an example of transitional steam-to-sail craft and resilience during the mid-19th century. Discrepancy remains regarding whether one crew member was lost, but most authoritative sources report no fatalities.

Keywords, Categories, Glossary Terms

Wooden propeller Steamer; screw-Steamer to Schooner Conversion; fires and rebuilds; 1879 storm wreck; Lake Huron lumber trade; Bay City maritime history; Great Lakes transitional vessels.