The Eastland Disaster, July 24, 1915

Victims of the Eastland Disaster

On July 24, 1915, 844 people died in the worst maritime disaster in Chicago history, when the SS Eastland capsized in the Chicago River. Many of the victims were Czech-Americans. 22 entire families were lost in the disaster.

Source: https://www.findagrave.com/virtual-cemetery/542042?page=1#sr-16426073

The SS Eastland was a passenger ship based in Chicago and used for tours. On 24 July 1915, the ship rolled over onto its 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 salvaged 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.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS_Eastland

Links:
http://foresthomecemeteryoverview.weebly.com/eastland-ship-disaster... http://www.eastlanddisaster.org/people/accounts_temp/passengersfull... http://www.eastlanddisaster.org/people/passengers https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/eastland-disaster-killed-mor...