Identification & Site Information

Vessel Type

A wooden propeller-driven steam Tug designed for towing barges and assisting vessels, typical of mid‑19th-century Great Lakes harbor and coastal operations.

Description & History

The Stephen A. Douglas was engaged in towing operations and was assisting the Schooner Nellie Torrent. Around 15 October 1862, amid storm conditions, she broke free and was driven ashore near Shelldrake dock in Whitefish Bay. The Tug became stranded and pounded against shore structures. (greatlakesrex.wordpress.com) A wrecking Tug—possibly Leviathan—attempted salvage, pulled her off, and installed pumps; however, during her intended tow to Milwaukee, a pump failed and the Tug took on water and sank in deep water. (greatlakesrex.wordpress.com)

Final Disposition

Following the pump failure during the open-lake tow, the Stephen A. Douglas sank in deep water, likely losing all onboard. Her official status is that of a Total Loss, with no salvage recorded.

Located By & Date Found

No modern rediscovery has been documented. Her Stern wreckage is presumed lying somewhere between Whitefish Bay and Milwaukee in deep water, with coordinates unknown.

Notations & Advisories

No navigational markers exist relating to the wreck. The site lies away from shallow channels and poses no known hazard.

Conclusion

The Stephen A. Douglas was driven ashore during a towing operation in mid-October 1862 amidst a storm in Whitefish Bay. Though briefly salvaged, she later sank when pump systems failed while being towed. Though her exact resting spot is uncharted, her story underscores the hazards of early steam towing and the volatility of mid‑19th-century Great Lakes weather.

Suggested Keywords & Glossary Terms: steam Tug, tow mishap, Shelldrake grounding, Whitefish Bay wreck, mid‑19th-century Tugboat disaster
Suggested Categories: Great Lakes shipwrecks | Lake Superior tow losses | steam Tug disasters