Wisconsin History Day By Day

Related Web Sites:
Steamer Lady Elgin

Lady Elgin (Shipwreck, 1860)

The Wreck of the Steamer Lady Elgin


Read More About It

"Shipwrecked on the Great Lakes" by Deena Dunsmore

"Great Shipwrecks and Survivals" by William Ratigan

"The 100 Best Great Lakes Shipwrecks" by Cris Kohl

"Shipwreck! A Comprehensive Directory of Over 3,700 Shipwrecks on the Great Lakes" by David Swayze


Vocabulary:

excursion
steamer


Interesting Fact:

Besides the passengers and crew, the "Lady Elgin" carried on board 50 head of cattle.


Study Questions:

  • What caused the "Lady Elgin" to sink?
  • Where was the "Lady Elgin" headed?
  • Was this the worst disaster on Lake Michigan in terms of lives lost? If not, what was?


    U.S. historical events that occurred on September 9:

    1776: The Second Continental Congress replaces the name "United Colonies" with "United States."
    1957: The first Civil Rights bill since the Reconstruction era is signed into law.



    • September 9

    September 9, 1860: “Lady Elgin,” a Milwaukee excursion steamer, collided with the schooner Augusta and sank, drowning 225 people. The “Lady Elgin” was quite luxurious and was considered the “darling” of the Great Lakes.

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