click zoom to display a high-res image
Christopher Columbus Cruise Vessel Accident
Image
Damaged ship on the Milwaukee River. The Christopher Columbus was a popular cruise vessel launched in 1893 and used to traverse the Great Lakes. On June 30th, 1917, with 413 passengers onboard, the ship was being towed out of the Milwaukee River by tugboats when an unexpected and overwhelming current forced the ship toward shore. The ship collided with a water tower and was demolished. Sixteen passengers died and another 20 were hurt in this freak accident. The Christopher Columbus was repaired and put back into service the following year and sailed the lakes for another 19 years before it was scrapped at Manitowoc, in 1936.
June 30, 1917
Taylor, J. Robert
Publication Information
Physical Description
Collection Information
Copyright Information
W01311G
WHi 33123
Image
Digital Collections
Explore more than 100,000 collection items online through the Society’s digital collections. For over two decades, we’ve been scanning, photographing, and digitizing materials from our collections, creating a rich and growing digital archive that brings history closer to you.
The Wisconsin Historical Society offers an ever-growing digital collection. Digitized materials reflect the full range of items in the collections including photographs, letters, newsletters, films, posters, architectural drawings, menus, and ephemera.
Attribution
For a credit line: Wisconsin Historical Society, Creator, Title, Unique Identifier.
The Unique Identifier can be found at the top or bottom of the page for each item. The name of a downloaded file is NOT the unique identifier.
For bibliographic citations please consult the UW-Madison Libraries Citation Research Guide to ensure compliance with appropriate style guidelines.
Accessing Collections
The vast majority of the items in our collections are not online. The Society owns thousands of archival collections viewable in our Archives reading room. To view and conduct research in our collections, visit us in person.
Damaged Christopher Columbus Cruise Vessel
Large crowd looking at the damaged Christopher Columbus cruise vessel at dock. Constructed in 1893, the Christopher Columbus was the only passenger-carrying whaleback steamer ever built. Eighteen p...
Passenger Ship "Christopher Columbus"
Passenger ship "Christopher Columbus," which is full of people on multiple decks, along the shore of the city of Milwaukee. Buildings and a second ship are in the background.
Whaleback Steamer "Christopher Columbus"
Colorized view depicting the passenger excursion vessel, "Christopher Columbus," approaching the East Water Street Bridge. Caption reads: "Whaleback Steamer Christopher Columbus Passing East Water ...
The Christopher Columbus Passing through Broadway Bridge
August 30, 1906
A screw passenger excursion vessel or whaleback, the Christopher Columbus, passing through the Broadway Bridge.
Boat in Harbor
"Conrad Starke" (possibly a tugboat) cruising on the water near a bridge in an industrial area. The waterway is probably connected to Lake Michigan. Three men are standing on the boat.
River Scene and S.S. Christopher Columbus
September 24, 1908
Text on front reads: "River Scene and S.S. Christopher Columbus, Milwaukee, Wis." The only whaleback ship ever built for passenger service is moored at the "Smith, Thorndike and Brown, Grocers" bui...
