[2] On November 2, 1913, the Louisiana departed from Lorain, Ohio to deliver a load of coal to Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

[3] After completing her stop in Milwaukee, the Louisiana made way for Escanaba, Michigan to pick up a load of iron ore.

In the early morning hours of November 8, the ship passed through Porte des Morts.

The captain attempted to take refuge at Washington Island in Door County, Wisconsin, but the heavy seas and howling wind proved too strong for the ship's anchors to hold her in place, and she was run aground.

Despite the situation on board the Louisiana, the crew opted to remain aboard the vessel rather than taking the one small lifeboat they had out to the raging seas.