SS Eastland facts for kids
The SS Eastland was a passenger ship that gave tours on the Chicago River in Chicago. On July 24, 1915, a terrible accident happened. While the ship was tied to a dock in the Chicago River, it suddenly rolled over onto its side.
This disaster caused the deaths of 844 passengers and crew members. It was the largest loss of life from a single shipwreck ever on the Great Lakes.
After the accident, the Eastland was rescued and sold to the United States Navy. It was repaired and changed into a gunboat, then renamed USS Wilmette. The ship was mainly used for training on the Great Lakes until it was taken apart (scrapped) after World War II.
What Was the SS Eastland?
The SS Eastland was built to carry people on fun trips. It was a large ship designed for passenger tours, especially popular for summer outings on the Chicago River. People would board the ship for a relaxing day on the water.
The Tragic Day: July 24, 1915
On that sad day, the Eastland was preparing to take employees from the Western Electric Company on a picnic. Many families, including children, were excited to go. The ship was still tied to the dock, full of people, when it started to lean.
Suddenly, the Eastland rolled completely onto its side. This happened very quickly, trapping many people inside the ship or under the water. Because the ship was so close to the dock, many people on shore could see the disaster unfold.
After the Disaster
Even though the Eastland disaster was a huge tragedy, the ship itself was not destroyed. It was pulled upright and repaired. The United States Navy bought the ship and gave it a new name: USS Wilmette.
The USS Wilmette served as a training ship for the Navy on the Great Lakes. It helped sailors learn important skills. The ship continued its service for many years until it was finally taken apart for scrap metal after World War II.
Images for kids
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Postcard of the Eastland and Pederson; postmarked 24 July 1915
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The USS Wilmette, c. 1918
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Historical marker along the Chicago River.
