Jackson Harbor Station

Was it bravery or foolishness that drove those six men aboard the schooner Myrtle? Here at Jackson Harbor Station, the echoes of that tragic May day in 1894 still linger. A brutal snowstorm descended upon Lake Michigan. Winds howled at over 65 miles per hour, whipping the waves into a frenzy. The Myrtle, caught in the tempest’s grip, struggled valiantly. The crew fought for hours, their desperate battle visible from the shore. Jackson Harbor Station, then a fledgling life-saving detachment, watched helplessly. The raging breakers made rescue impossible. All six men perished within sight of land. The Chicago newspapers erupted in outrage, accusing the station of being ill-equipped and criticizing Surfman Frank Fountain. This tragedy, a dark stain on the early history of Jackson Harbor Station, became a catalyst for change, fueling a push for better equipment and training. The incident severely damaged the reputation of the Life Saving Service. Jackson Harbor Station’s official story began much earlier, with reports of a lifeboat detachment as far back as 1878. Originally an annex to a station in Jackson Park, it transitioned from detachment to a fully-fledged station. The land was officially transferred from the War Department in 1900. A new station, built at a cost of $98,382, was commissioned on October 20, 1903. Located in Chicago Harbor, Jackson Harbor Station quickly proved its worth. Just a few years later, in 1906, the need for better coverage led to the installation of a service boat at the Farragut Yacht Club. Then, in 1915, disaster struck again. The steamer Eastland, carrying 2,400 passengers, capsized in the harbor. The crew of Jackson Harbor Station sprang into action. They rescued 280 souls from the frigid waters and recovered 400 bodies. By 1935, Jackson Harbor Station had responded to an astounding 8,454 calls for assistance, saving an estimated 6,000 lives. From its humble beginnings as a lifeboat detachment to its role in major maritime disasters, Jackson Harbor Station’s story is one of courage, tragedy, and unwavering dedication to saving lives on the treacherous waters of Lake Michigan.