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100th Anniversary of the Eastland Disaster
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Infographic about the Eastland disaster on July 24, 1915, in Chicago, showing a timeline of events, a diagram of the SS Eastland ship, a map of the disaster location on the Chicago River, estimated death tolls compared to other disasters, and causes such as inadequate ballast and top-heavy design.
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Infographic about the Eastland disaster on July 24, 1915, in Chicago, showing a timeline of events, a diagram of the SS Eastland ship, a map of the disaster location on the Chicago River, estimated death tolls compared to other disasters, and causes such as inadequate ballast and top-heavy design.
Quick facts about the Eastland disaster The American passenger liner SS Eastland capsized on the Chicago River on July 24, 1915. It remains one of the worst maritime disasters in American history. This infographic includes a timeline of the disaster, a map of where it happened, and a list of possible causes.

100th Anniversary of the Eastland Disaster

The passenger liner Eastland capsized in the Chicago River, killing at least 844 people.
Written by
Amy Tikkanen
Amy Tikkanen is Managing Editor at Encyclopaedia Britannica.
Amy Tikkanen
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Britannica Editors
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....
Britannica Editors

An annual picnic outing for the employees of the Western Electric Company turned tragic on July 24, 1915, when the boat that was to take them from Chicago to Michigan City, Indiana, capsized. At least 844 people died in what was one of the worst maritime disasters in American history.

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Amy Tikkanen