Shipwreck Louisville

3D Interactive Model

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Database Information Shipwreck Louisville

Basic Information

Name(s)  Louisville
Registry  US
Official Number  
Vessel Type Propeller
Year Built 1853
Year Sank 1857
Hull Material Wood
Engines Single Expansion Steam

Dimensions

Length 137.5 ft
Width 25.5 ft
Depth 11 ft

Vessel History

Complete Historic Information Link – https://greatlakeships.org/2901059/data ; https://www.uaschicago.org/index.php/shipwrecks-sp-941640224/410-the-louisville

Wreck Site Information

Lake Michigan
State or Province Illinois
Depth 60 ft
GPS Coordinates 41° 46.388′  N 087° 20.284′ W
Site Description Although the hull of the Louisville is disarticulated with the sides lying to the outside of the bottom of the ship, the interesting part of the ship is the machinery still extant on site. The machinery  includes the engine, and boiler, prop shaft, thrust bearing and propeller. At the bow is a pile of anchor chain and what appears to be the rachet arms of the windlass but the drum is not visible. The firebox boiler is standing on end with the steam drum broken off lying near the engine. The wooden engine base likely burned in the fire and eventually disintegrated leaving the cylinder standing on the truss rods. The valve system of the single expansion steam engine is very unique. It appears to be comprised of four single acting rotary valves two intake for up and down stroke and two exhaust for up and down strokes. The four small steam chests are on the sides top and bottom of the engine. The valve connecting rod appears to rotate the valve stems through arms as it moves up and down.