SS Eastland Disaster - largest loss of life in Great Lakes history

This is the incredible story of the SS Eastland and her tragedy. In terms of human life, it's still the largest disaster in Great Lakes history; yet the ship never left the dock. 844 people, including 22 whole families, died when the passenger ship overturned in the Chicago River on July 24, 1915. The passengers were employees of the Western Electric company, and were on their way to a company picnic in Michigan City, Indiana. What was supposed to be an exciting adventure and a fun day ahead, turned tragic in less than 20 minutes during which frightened passengers were trapped below in 20-feet of dark water and river muck. Our movie also includes the court trials that came after the tragedy, and the very sad story of the ship's Chief Engineer Joseph Erickson, who did what he could to keep the ship stable before she lurched to port and went under. Join me, the History Mystery Man, and Captain Darrell Walton for the story of the SS Eastland. Thanks for your support...HMM Caution: some images may be disturbing.

[@rrmike90]

Awesome! I love these stories and history lessons from Captain Darrel! I look forward to part two!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks...so appreciated. HMM

[@beberle9641]

HMM and Darrell thanks for bringing these stories to light. Nice work guys! Brian

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Always welcome, Brian...thanks again! HMM

[@beberle9641]

@@HistoryMysteryMan I will always be watching if I can my friend 👍🤠

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

I say you can!@@beberle9641

[@Blrtech77]

What an amazing but tragic video. Thanks for the history lesson. HMM and Captain Walton, you're the best!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks...so appreciated! HMM

[@mattlynch2823]

What an awesome dynamic you've found with Capt. Darrell! Great stuff!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks...so appreciated. HMM

[@jeremymcmanus6624]

The best videos on KZbin. One day, I'd like to meet both HMM and Captain Darrell!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

We'd be glad to meet you too! HMM

[@garymckee8857]

Another excellent video. Thanks 👍

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome, Gary...thanks again. HMM

[@michaelnault5905]

Never heard about this. Been to Cedar Point more than once. I think Western Electric provided audio to movies when "talkies," started. Great interview!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again, Michael. Cedar Point is an amazing park. Interesting note on the "talkies" ... thanks for sharing that here. HMM

[@mikeb949]

Another fantastic job Don!!!!!!!!!! keep them and more Captain Darrell coming!!!!!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again, Mike...always appreciated. HMM

[@simondaley2893]

CaDarrell and Captain Don, two Great Lakes legends, G'day from Parkes Australia.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Simon! Great to hear from Parkes Australia! Lots of race fans down under. HMM

[@critterscute3642]

Terrific video for a horrendous tragedy. The loss of life so great, but so many have never heard of it. Thanks for keeping the memories of those that perished alive in our hearts. ❤️

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're always welcome. Now I want to visit the site where it happened...if I can brave getting through Chicago...thanks again! HMM

[@tmayer0009]

Thanks for a great video with Captain Darrell, fantastic, as always. Keep them coming history mystery man! I watched a video about this ship. Maybe have Captain Darrell Walton do one about the Carruthers or a couple other ones that have been lost and we don’t know much about ?

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome. I'll ask Capt. D. about the Carruthers...thanks again! HMM

[@ronyantz7349]

Great tutorial of this great lakes tragedy gentlemen!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again, Ron! HMM

[@penelopejoann]

Thank you for your discussion on the Eastland tragedy, Chicago IL. Such a tragic loss that fateful day. Captain Darrell did thoughtful research on the high and low points. There are many stories stemming from the sinking, most assuredly, told and retold by the families. Each story is priceless beyond gold! The issue I had learned was primarily her ballast tanks, a captain’s super inflated ego, and overcrowding.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again, Penelope; we appreciate your feedback. The ballast tank aspect is huge...that and she was so top-heavy. HMM

[@penelopejoann]

@@HistoryMysteryManThanks HMM. Looking forward to the next video. How this tragedy is linked to the sinking of the Titanic is fascinating. In this case, the design flaws cannot be overlooked. I had heard that the Eastland sailed the Great Lakes with a list on virtually every voyage. This was a known fact. How the board of trade overlooked this prominent safety issue is beyond comprehension! 😮

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Excellent point. The boat was too narrow and she listed back and forth continuously...didn't ride well at all. Too narrow, not a deep enough draft with a round bottom, too top heavy and too many people. She was a recipe for disaster. Thanks again, Penelope, HMM@@penelopejoann

[@m1greg125]

Fascinating story. Never heard this story. Thanks for putting this together.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome; thanks for taking the time to watch. HMM

[@rogerozdarski2935]

You left us hanging! A cliffhanger. Can't wait to hear the rest of the story. Thank you HMM!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Of course Roger; thanks again, my friend. HMM

[@Busha0658]

You and Darrell should do a video on the sinking of the ss cedarville

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

I'll ask Capt. D about the Cedarville...thanks. HMM

[@robfultz6629]

Another excellent video!!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again, Rob! HMM

[@kristopherjones126]

You must have dug like crazy to find all of these photos. We sure appreciate it. I gotta say I love the formal applause for Ol Daryl Walton. So much fun to watch this you guys

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again, Kristopher...so appreciated. HMM

[@kylehawes4287]

Great story telling by both of you guys I'm from MN and yeah much respect for everyone hope for more exciting episodes I like listening stories.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Kyle...so appreciated. Stop by anytime...HMM

[@blackscotydog]

Captain Darrell is just great...more please!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

He's the best...thanks! HMM

[@TravisMSimpson]

George Halas who was a founder of the NFL and owner of the Chicago Bears was supposed to be on the Eastland. He was delayed leaving for the dock and arrived after the ship had overturned. He was originally listed in the newspapers as deceased but that was later changed when they learned he never made it to the boat on time.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Great story! Thanks for sharing that here. Bears fans are forever thankful. HMM

[@MissTerri207]

Captain Darrell...I just love your stories. You're like my dear Dad, a born storyteller! Thank you, Don for bringing this gift to us! ❤

[@toddsgreatoutdoors4226]

No doubt! Captain Darrell is incredible!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks all...so appreciated. And I know Capt. D is loving it too! HMM

[@TheClintmeister]

Boom mind blown, keep the videos coming!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You got it! Thanks again...HMM

[@ajbaumgart4774]

Wow that's incredible and very sad but i never heard of this tragedy i just learned something new big thank you to captain walton and yourself

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome AJ...thanks again! HMM

[@kristopherjones126]

Just so you guys know, the drinks are on me if I ever see you guys at the bar. Great content

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Sign us up! Thanks Kristopher...HMM

[@rileybridgham1963]

Fascinating story, I've heard this story so many times and it amazes me, thank you for putting this together, I'm looking forward to you and Captain Darrell continue the rest of the story.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome, Riley...thanks again. HMM

[@bobvalentine8927]

Keep those awesome videos coming

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Sure will, Bob, thanks again. HMM

[@tkdterp8]

I love these videos with Capt. Darrell! ❤ Great cliff hanger too!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Many thanks...HMM

[@MacGregor.]

One of my favorite channels. Thanks again. Always a full view. And generally more than once. God bless.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks MacGregor...so appreciated. Stop by anytime! HMM

[@MacGregor.]

@@HistoryMysteryMan Will do. Thank You

[@user-kg4eb7nl5b]

thanks for the back ground on this one ,heard about it when I was young never understood how a ship could capsize on the pier

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome; thanks for watching! HMM

[@toddgilmore8412]

Excellent historical info on the Eastland, such a tragic story for all those involved. You can't help but feel sorry for the young Chief Engineer who inherited such a poor vessel in regards to stability. Looks like the Eastland had a really small GM. Can't wait to see part 2.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Yeah...Chief Engineer Erickson is really the heartbeat of the story. He literally became the 845th victim...pretty sad. It was just too much to carry. Thanks for your continual support, Todd...appreciate your feedback. HMM

[@ethantaube2512]

I love Captain Darrell. He is very informative. I agree with Darrell that we should go down to the Fitzgerald and get that logbook

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Capt. D. will love you for this. Thanks Ethan! HMM

[@PilotJasonUSA]

@@HistoryMysteryMan I agree the logbook would be great to have.... What are the odds it survived? Being a paper book in water... Wouldn't it have unfortunately disintegrated long ago?

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Good question. I'm thinking that because the water is so cold at that depth, that it has a chance to survive. Thanks for watching...HMM@@PilotJasonUSA

[@robertayers9424]

Ooh , a cliffhanger! Absolutely fascinating story! Albeit a very tragic tale, where, as always , there is a scapegoat and the truth hidden. Thanks again! Deeply appreciated!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Of course Robert! Keep it comin! HMM

[@RAV1953]

So very entertaining & informative! Another "home run"!!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

I'll take that! Thanks again...HMM

[@cicolinirudy]

Thanks!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thank you so much! It means a lot to me when folks see value in what I'm doing. I sooo appreciate you...HMM

[@Ohiotrucker1]

Hats off to the bridge operator for not letting the Eastland leave onto Lake Michigan.

[@350mack]

Need him on more and more 😊 stories are amazing

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks for your feedback! HMM

[@Peter.w]

Never heard of this one before.. Imagine the tragic loss right at a dock, Unfathomable in today world! Thanks for bringing this history to light HMM! And thanks to Capt Darrell for another fascinating tale from the lakes!!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're always welcome, Peter; thanks for watching. HMM

[@mikeherren5604]

Another great job to both you guys. Love it don can’t get enough. What is your name of the music you as always use ??

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Mike. I shall reveal the music soon. HMM

[@bluerazor7049]

So far an amazing video listening to yourself and captain Darrell. I've read about the Eastland disaster and just like the Sultana it was all about greed and money, with the Eastland they knew that the she was an unstable mess that would eventually turn over..and with the Sultana they half-assed the boiler repair..I think that it was the second or third boiler that had a crack and they put a patch plate over it which was a disaster waiting to happen, because of the Sultana rules were implemented regarding boiler maintenance and replacement to prevent such an explosion from happening again.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks! I'm going to have to dig into the Sultana story. I didn't know that about the boiler patches. HMM

[@elroyelblander6277]

👍👍👍👍 like some,i also never heard of this awful trajedy... indeed very intriguing... thank you HMM, can't wait for the follow-up...see ya later 👍👍👊

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You got it Elroy...thanks again! HMM

[@larrydemaar409]

What a sad and unnecessary tragedy! The pictures are devastating, especially the children.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Hard to believe it happened...22 whole families and so many kids. Thanks for watching...HMM

[@p.k.5455]

America's Two Greatest Great Lakes history men!!! The Great History Mystery Man, and The Dynamic Captain Darrell!!! Keep rockin the boats guys!!!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again, p.k.5455...always appreciated. We'll "keep rockin the boats!" HMM

[@bradystalbaum2392]

Can’t wait for part 2!!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Coming soon...thanks Brady. HMM

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

On the way, Brady...thanks! HMM

[@paulhootisn848]

I wonder if this was any inspiration for Bob Dylan’s ballad “Bear Mountain Picnic” great episode gentlemen.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Interesting question...anyone? Thanks again, Paul...HMM

[@garyshope8378]

Keep them videos coming. Still waiting on history mistorymans story?

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Gary! I won't put 'em to sleep on my story? HMM

[@BillAlexander-cv6oj]

That ship was built 6 blocks from where I live, at the Jenks Ship Yard on the Black River In Port Huron, they built Freighters and this was the First Passenger ship they built, It was a tender Boat right from the Build, many problems led to this disaster......

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Interesting. Is the Jenks Shipyard still operating? Yeah...we get into all those red flags in the next movie. Thanks Bill...HMM

[@Zilla23]

How dare you ! Can't wait for part two .

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Coming soon...thanks again. HMM

[@danielmcfadden1]

Wow! What a horrific deal and loss of life!! Don’t know what I’d do with myself if you fellas got aboard the Anderson, I’m certainly looking forward to that!! ….. love the Lynyrd Skynyrd shirt that Captain Darrell is wearing……Another awesome video, thank you fellas!!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're always welcome Daniel...thanks again! Yeah...the Skynyrd T is the bomb! We talked about it in an upcoming video. "Simple Man" HMM

[@danielmcfadden1]

@@HistoryMysteryMan awesome, looking forward to the next video!😄

[@Bluecollarwelderdad]

Best great lakes guys in youtube

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks for that...so appreciated! HMM

[@toddsgreatoutdoors4226]

Love the Lynyrd Skynyrd shirt, Captain Darrell! ❤

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

So cool. We actually had a little discussion about it in an upcoming video. Thanks again, Todd...HMM

[@bowslap]

Now, that’s a cliffhanger level not seen since “Who shot J.R.Ewing” from “Dallas”! You KNOW I’ll be watching the next episode of HMM……

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again...always appreciated. HMM

[@TheChadSmithPodcast]

844 I just can't stop shaking my head at that number. Holy smokes that's just so crazy!!! RIP to everyone that suffered as a result from that horrible accident

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Unbelievable...most human loss in Great Lakes history...and never left the dock. Thanks again, Chad...we appreciate you. HMM

[@TheChadSmithPodcast]

@@HistoryMysteryMan no problem guys, thanks again for a great episode

[@jamesmccarthy5086]

Thanks for another great video! Such a sad tragedy. And on top of it all the ship and the bodies became a tourist attraction. Just to make a buck. I can’t wait till next time for part 2. I wonder what he’ll have to say about the connection between the Titanic and Eastland.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again, James. Capt. D has an interesting take on the Titanic; that's for sure. HMM

[@jamesmccarthy5086]

@@HistoryMysteryMan can’t wait!

[@brandonaldrich496]

I want to learn more about the kamloops

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

I believe we'll eventually get to the Kamloops...thanks Brandon. HMM

[@CDtrumpet5]

This is amazing work guys. I love your discussions! Have you ever considered collaborating with Mike from Oceanliner Designs? I feel like you both tell similar stories from different parts of the world, and Im sure you could have an intriguing discussion between the three of you!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

I'm not familiar with Mike from Oceanliner Designs...so I'll have to check into it. Thanks for the idea...and thanks for watching. HMM

[@AlexThePatriot]

Very sad, may this event never be forgotten. What's the name of the song in the intro, because I like it very much.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Alex...always appreciate. I shall soon reveal the song. Cracks me up because it's so easy to find! HMM

[@keystonepirate2534]

I got my book stash as well CPT 🏴‍☠️😂

[@brenttaubert1803]

I heard that the Eastland was originally supposed to be longer but they reduced it mid-build. Any thoughts on if that played a role?

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

First I have heard about this...I'll have to dig in. Thanks for the question, Brent...HMM

[@mountainanderson5597]

does captain darrell have any information on the fitzgerald's collision? There seems to be barley any information of it online

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

I'll ask him to see if I can find out. Thanks for the question...HMM

[@user-vn8jp2iw7z]

JUST KEEP one thing in mind as you tell good stories...THIS is comming from capts prospective..like HEY CAPT if you were in his shoes..What would YOU do...???

[@luketdrifter2100]

If the cliff hanger is the added weight of the lifeboats that’s just silly. He nailed it all the way up to that point. Bad ballast decisions. Poor design from the outside and added capacity.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Coming soon! Thanks for your support! HMM

[@joeyvanostrand3655]

🤘🤘

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks...good to hear from you again, Joey...HMM

[@joeymaterese8095]

I absolutely love this captain I would jump and just say how high..

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

America's Captain...Captain D! Thanks for watching Joey...HMM

[@meanmetalmike666]

Video on the RMS Olympic

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

10-4; I'll ask Capt. D about the Olympic. HMM

[@JohnMacintyre-cl5nu]

SPEED QUEEN OF THE GREAT LAKES!! ??YOU KNOW MY AUNT PADDY? LOL *GBYAA!!!!!!!!!!!*

[@rbb1949]

Hello history mystery man, after watching this video my wife asked me again if I ever found out what the song is you used in the opening of these videos? I told her no and I would ask again lol. Can you help me out lol

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

I have not revealed that yet, but I'm getting close, so stand by. I'm surprised that so many people ask, given that it's so easy to find. Thanks for your interest...HMM

[@rbb1949]

@@HistoryMysteryMan lol thank you sir