Photograph
The Grounded Bow of the Steamer Louisiana
| Part of the wrecked bow of the steamer Louisiana sitting on a rocky beach near Washington Harbor. Green trees or shrubs are along the shoreline in the background, highlighting the wood of the ship. |
| Image ID: | 119961 |
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| Creation Date: | 06 09 2005 |
| Creator Name: | Thomsen, Tamara |
| City: | |
| County: | |
| State: | Wisconsin |
| Collection Name: | Maritime Preservation and Archeology Program Collection |
| Genre: | Photograph |
| Original Format Type: | digital file |
| Original Format Number: | 1509000021 |
| Original Dimensions: | 3008 X 2000 pixels |
| The Louisiana is one of hundreds of wooden bulk carries built in the late nineteenth century based on the innovative design of R.J. Hackett, the forerunners of today's modern bulk carriers. Built in 1887, the Louisiana was part of the second generation of the Hackett design. The ship carried cargo, mostly coal and iron ore, along the Great Lakes until it was caught in the "Big Blow of 1913." Around midnight of November 8, on the way to Michigan to pick up a load of iron ore, the ship passed through a channel between the Bay of Green Bay and Lake Michigan known as Death's Door. A severe snowstorm greeted the Louisiana and her crew as they negotiated the rocky passage. The captain sought refuge from the dangerous conditions in Washington Harbor on Washington Island, but the Louisiana's anchors could not hold in the heavy seas and howling wind. The fierce storm drove the ship aground, perilously close to the rocky southeast shore of Washington Harbor. Rather than braving the heavy seas and surf in the tiny lifeboat, the crew elected to ride out the storm aboard the grounded steamer. By morning the storm was still raging and the ship was still helplessly caught on the rocks. The cargo hold caught on fire, a blaze the crew could not extinguish. The crew had little choice but to board the lifeboat and take their chances in the surf, leaving the Louisiana to suffer the ravages of the fire and the storm. The men rowed toward shore, struggling to keep the small lifeboat from capsizing or crashing against the rocks. With great luck, they made it through the powerful breakers and landed safely on shore. The wreck of the Louisiana is now laying scattered along the southeast side of Washington Harbor, including part of the bow which is sitting on the rocky beach 100 feet south of the main site. For more information on the Louisiana visit the Wisconsin Shipwrecks website. |
| Michigan, Lake |
| Shorelines |
| Marine accidents |
| Ships |
| Cargo ships |
| Great Lakes (North America) |
| Shrubs |
| Trees |
| Underwater photography |
| This image is issued by the Historic Preservation Division of the Wisconsin Historical Society. Use of the image requires written permission from the staff of the Collections Division. It may not be sold or redistributed, copied or distributed as a photograph, electronic file, or any other media. The image should not be significantly altered through conventional or electronic means. Images altered beyond standard cropping and resizing require further negotiation with a staff member. The user is responsible for all issues of copyright. Please Credit: Wisconsin Historical Society. |
| Location: | Wisconsin Historical Society Archives, 4th Floor, Madison, Wisconsin |
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