A collision between two vessels resulted in one of the deadliest shipwrecks in Great Lakes history, claiming the lives of over 300 people. The PS Lady Elgin, built in 1851, was involved in the incident. It had been traveling with members of Milwaukee's Union Guard, who were returning from a campaign rally in Chicago.

The collision occurred with the schooner Augusta, causing significant damage to the Lady Elgin. Attempts to save the ship by lightening its load were unsuccessful, and it sank within 20 minutes. Further details about this tragic event are available.