SS Merchant

SS Merchant was an iron package freighter measuring approximately 194 feet long and 29 feet wide that transported grain and flour across the Great Lakes system. The ship served as a standard cargo vessel for bulk agricultural products on these inland waterways.

The ship was built in 1862 at Buffalo, New York, and operated under the Erie & Western Transportation Company as part of the Pennsylvania Railroad's fleet. It sank in 1875 on Racine Reef, marking a serious shipping loss on Lake Michigan.

The vessel represents the maritime commerce that shaped the Great Lakes region during the 1800s, when ships moved agricultural products between major ports. This role in regional trade remains part of how people understand Lake Michigan's historical importance.

The wreck sits near Racine Reef and continues to serve as a reference point for people navigating the lake today. Visitors should know that the wreck lies underwater and is accessible only through diving or specialized charter boats.

When the ship ran aground on the reef in 1875, it was carrying approximately 30,000 bushels of corn and 1,200 barrels of flour. This large cargo made the loss one of the more serious shipping failures on the Great Lakes during that era.

Location: Racine County

GPS coordinates: 42.72995,-87.76422

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:00