Joining me for this episode are Paul Timm, author of the book “Lost Lady: The Lady Elgin Tragedy” and Lara Zielin, creator and host of the Archive Unknown podcast. This episode also features the song “Lost on the Lady Elgin” written by Henry Clay Work in 1861, and performed by Lee Murdock. You can hear more of his music at www.leemurdock.com. Original theme music is by Sean Sigfried.
Summary
The sinking of the SS Lady Elgin on Lake Michigan occurred on September 8, 1860. The Lady Elgin was a wooden-hulled steamship that served as a passenger, excursion, and cargo vessel on the Great Lakes. The ship was en route from Chicago, Illinois to Milwaukee, Wisconsin when it collided with the schooner Augusta, resulting in this tragic maritime disaster.
The collision took place in the early morning hours during a violent storm just north of Chicago. The Lady Elgin was carrying hundreds of passengers, including members of the irish Union Guard of Milwaukee’s Third Ward, who were returning from a political rally in Chicago. The collision caused significant damage to the Lady Elgin, and it quickly began to sink.
The stormy conditions and the chaos that followed the collision made it difficult for the passengers and crew to evacuate the sinking ship. Many people were thrown into the cold waters of Lake Michigan, struggling to stay afloat or find lifeboats. The Augusta was also damaged and returned to Chicago.
The disaster resulted in a significant loss of life. Estimates vary, but it is believed about 300 people perished in the sinking of the Lady Elgin, making it the deadliest maritime disaster on the Great Lakes.
The sinking of the Lady Elgin was met with shock and grief, and it had a profound impact on the local communities and the region as a whole. The tragedy highlighted the need for improved maritime safety measures, including better navigation systems, stricter regulations, and increased attention to weather conditions.
Today, the wreck of the Lady Elgin rests at the bottom of Lake Michigan, and it serves as a reminder of the lives lost in the tragic event.
Photos
Sources
- Hollander, M. Paul. Lost Lady: The Lady Elgin Tragedy. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform. 2018.
- “Graves of Lady Elgin Dead Desecrated” Chicago Tribune, 26 march 1899, p. 29. Newspapers.com, https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25597633/lady-elgin-graveyard-of-the-unknown/.
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