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Story
September 10, 1914
The Telegraph Courier
Kenosha, Kenosha County, Wisconsin
What is this article about?
On September 8, 1860, the steamer Lady Elgin sank in Lake Michigan after colliding with the schooner August during a storm, killing nearly 400 Milwaukee excursionists returning from Chicago.
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LAKE DISASTER 54 YEARS AGO.
Today is the Anniversary of the Sinking of the Lady Elgin Steamer.
Today marked the fifty-fourth anniversary of the "Black Night of Milwaukee." On the night of Sept. 8, 1860, the whole city was plunged into mourning following the sinking of the Lady Elgin, in which nearly 400 Milwaukee excursionists lost their lives. The Lady Elgin put out from Chicago in the face of a threatening storm with a crowd of gay excursionists returning to Milwaukee. A thick fog hung over the lake. A heavy gale washed waves over the decks of the steamer. But below, care free merry makers were dancing. Suddenly there was a blinding crash. Panic gripped the excursionists. But before the frenzied mob of terror crazed passengers could don life preservers the vessel sank. The steamer had been struck off the shore opposite Waukegan by the schooner August. Lifeboats carried some survivors to land, but most of them were swamped in the first frantic rush of passengers seeking to leave the foundering ship.
Today is the Anniversary of the Sinking of the Lady Elgin Steamer.
Today marked the fifty-fourth anniversary of the "Black Night of Milwaukee." On the night of Sept. 8, 1860, the whole city was plunged into mourning following the sinking of the Lady Elgin, in which nearly 400 Milwaukee excursionists lost their lives. The Lady Elgin put out from Chicago in the face of a threatening storm with a crowd of gay excursionists returning to Milwaukee. A thick fog hung over the lake. A heavy gale washed waves over the decks of the steamer. But below, care free merry makers were dancing. Suddenly there was a blinding crash. Panic gripped the excursionists. But before the frenzied mob of terror crazed passengers could don life preservers the vessel sank. The steamer had been struck off the shore opposite Waukegan by the schooner August. Lifeboats carried some survivors to land, but most of them were swamped in the first frantic rush of passengers seeking to leave the foundering ship.
What sub-type of article is it?
Disaster
Survival
Tragedy
What themes does it cover?
Catastrophe
Misfortune
Tragedy
What keywords are associated?
Lady Elgin Sinking
Lake Michigan Disaster
Milwaukee Excursionists
Ship Collision
Black Night Milwaukee
Where did it happen?
Lake Michigan, Off The Shore Opposite Waukegan
Story Details
Location
Lake Michigan, Off The Shore Opposite Waukegan
Event Date
Sept. 8, 1860
Story Details
The steamer Lady Elgin, carrying Milwaukee excursionists from Chicago, sank after collision with schooner August in a storm and fog, leading to nearly 400 deaths amid panic and swamped lifeboats.