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SS Eastland facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Eastland Postcard - View of Eastland taken from Fire Tug in river
The Eastland disaster

The SS Eastland was a passenger ship based in Chicago and used for tours on the Chicago River. On July 24, 1915, the ship rolled over onto her side while tied to a dock in the Chicago River.

A total of 844 passengers and crew were killed in what was the largest loss of life from a single shipwreck on the Great Lakes.

After the disaster, Eastland was saved and sold to the United States Navy. After restorations and modifications, Eastland was designated a gunboat and renamed USS Wilmette. She was used primarily as a training vessel on the Great Lakes, and was scrapped after World War II.

Images for kids

  • Eastland 4

    Postcard of the Eastland and Pederson; postmarked 24 July 1915

  • The USS Wilmette

    The USS Wilmette, c. 1918

  • Eastland Disaster Plaque

    Historical marker along the Chicago River.

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