About Revisions The America Isle Royale, MI More Info Max Depth: 81-90ft/25-27m Average Viz: 41-50ft/12-15m Entry Type: Boat Bottom Composition: Rock Aquatic Life: Might See Something Spring: Under 50°F/10°C Summer: Under 50°F/10°C Fall: Under 50°F/10°C Winter: Under 50°F/10°C 7/30/2015 10:41 AM LatitudeAdjustment 7/30/2015 7:56 AM LatitudeAdjustment 7/30/2015 7:39 AM dbeedle 7/30/2015 7:13 AM dbeedle

47 53.628’N 89 13.345’W

The wreck of The America. Bow in 3 feet of water with the stern at about 80 feet. The ship has started to collapse over the last few years. Look for the grand staircase and the American flag on the engine.

Launched in 1898, the America was a 182 foot long passenger and package freighter that spent her life servicing the Isle Royale community by providing transportation to the mainland, mail and provisions. On her first run of the 1928 season, she was under the command of an inexperienced first mate when she struck a rocky reef off Port Washington at the south end of Isle Royale. In an attempt to intentionally ground her, she was run hard aground just offshore. Subsequent efforts to salvage the wreck failed for technical or financial reasons. Starting in the 1950’s, the wreck became popular with sport divers because of her close proximity to Port Washington and her depth ranging from the bow nearly at the surface to the stern at 80 feet. Ice damage is evident to a depth of 30 feet but much of the America’s deck gear including her windlass remains. The engine room is remarkably intact with its piping, engine and other equipment. The boilers did not explode in the sinking and are intact. Crew quarters and numerous cabins can be reached and examined.