Posted by Randy Beebe on January 29, 19100 at 20:32:23:
In Reply to: The Independence posted by Stephanie on January 29, 19100 at 16:30:05:
: Hello, I am doing a research project in school, and I am looking for information (the history of, or the conditions of the wreck) on a ship called Independence. I know it exploded in 1853 near Soo. If anyone can point me in the right direction, it would be greatly appreciated.
: Stephanie
Hi Stephanie,
The Independance was in interesting vessel because it wasa the first steam vessel on Lake Superior. She was built in Chicago and was carried overland from Lake Huron in 1845. The Independance was a screw (propellor)steamer capable of about 5mph.and I have seen her described as both 280 and 365tons. At the time of her arrival on Lake Superior she was under command of Capt. A. J. Averill.
After spending 7 seasons on Lake Superior the ships boilers did explode and she sank near the Soo like you mentioned. I believe the propellor is still in display near the Locks and portions of her hull in the Whitefish Point museum...the remaining parts of the vessel were unfortunately destroyed.
A good place to start researching this vessel is a book called "Long Ships Passing" by Walter Havighurst. Also look up the Michigan Historical collections Vol XXX pp 157-158, Michigan Pioneer collections Vol. 32 pp406.
Good luck, have fun and I would be interested to see what you come with.
Randy