SS Appomattox

SS Appomattox, a wooden-hulled Great Lakes freighter built in 1896 at James Davidson’s West Bay City yard, was the largest wooden steam-powered bulk carrier on the lakes and among the largest wooden ships ever built. Its unusual length required extensive metal reinforcement and constant pumping to stay tight. Powered by a 1,100-horsepower engine, it hauled iron ore east and coal west, often towing Santiago to greatly expand capacity. In thick fog on November 2, 1905, both vessels grounded near Atwater Beach, and Appomattox was damaged beyond saving. Its remains now lie in shallow water off Shorewood and are a notable Milwaukee-area wreck.

Wisconsin · United States