Great Lakes steamer James Madison

Great Lakes side-wheel steamer James Madison

The side-wheel steamer James Madison, launched on Tuesday, December 13, 1836 at Erie, Pennsylvania and placed in commission in the Spring of 1837, was of 630 tons burden, registering the largest cargo capacity and accommodation for passengers of any vessel yet constructed on the Great Lakes. She plied to the upper lake settlements, and was a very popular steam-boat, being commanded by Captain R.R. Bristol, and afterward for many years by Captain McFadden.

December 1836, side-wheel steamer James Madison launched at Erie, Pennsylvania: 700 tons: built by Captain Richards, and owned by Col. C.M. Reed: built for trade between Buffalo, New York and the upper Great Lakes.

1837 – The side-wheel steamer James Madison, Capt. R.C. Bristol, commenced plying between Buffalo, New York and Chicago in 1837, and was the first boat to pass through the Straits of Mackinac on the opening of navigation that season.

Probably no three steamers contributed so largely to the settlement of Illinois and Wisconsin as the James Madison, the Illinois, and the Great Western.

Ship James Madison

Reign Begins Tuesday, December 13, 1836

Reign Ends Wednesday, August 2, 1837

Length (ft) 181

Vessel type Side-wheel steamer; it had two large paddle-wheels mounted port and starboard with engines and boilers amidships.

Launched Tuesday, December 13, 1836