The Eastland Disaster

While still partially tied to its dock at the river’s edge, the excursion steamer Eastland rolled over on the morning of July 24, 1915, causing one of the worst maritime disasters in American history. More than eight hundred people died within a few feet of the shore. The Eastland was filled to overflowing with picnic-bound Western Electric Company employees and their families when the tragedy occurred. Investigations afterward raised questions about the ship’s seaworthiness and the inspection of Great Lakes steamers in general.

Chicago, Illinois · United States