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Captain Smith and the Steamer USS America

Home > MN90: Minnesota History in 90 Seconds > Captain Smith and the Steamer USS America

In the early morning hours of June 7, 1928, Captain Edward E. Smith left the steamer USS America in the hands of the first mate. But his hopes for a few hours’ sleep were dashed when the mate ran the America into a hidden reef, tearing a hole in its steel hull.

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Producer: Britt AamodtEditorial support: Emily KrumbergerMixing & mastering: Chris Harwood

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Transcript

Welcome to MN90: Minnesota History in 90 Seconds.

Early morning June 7, 1928, Captain Edward C. Smith piloted the USS America out of harbor on Isle Royale. He was Ojibwe, a member of the Fond du Lac Band. He knew this island located 20 miles off Minnesota’s North Shore better than anyone. At 69, the sailor been navigating Lake Superior, its ports, dense fog and hidden reefs for a good chunk of his life.

It was said all he needed to pinpoint his location was the sound of the boat’s whistle bouncing off the shore.

On this dark June morning, he retired to his cabin after unloading passengers at a popular Isle Royale resort. He left the wheelhouse in the command of the brand new first mate, telling him to steer clear of shore. But the mate must’ve lost his bearing or misinterpreted the warning because minutes later he ran the ship on a reef. Captain Smith made sure crew and passengers were safely in lifeboats before he left the sinking USS America.

MN90 is produced by AMPERS, diverse radio for Minnesota's communities, made possible by funding from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. Online at MN90.org.