Sea Wing Disaster Memorial
Visit WebsiteLocated in Levee Park, This monument is a bronze plaque set in a stone base. Created to commemorate the Crowning Calamity of all Minnesota Annals. The Sea Wing was a 135-foot long stern wheel steamer operating out of Diamond Bluff, Wisconsin from which it operated river excursions on Lake Pepin. Her height of 22 feet was said to make her skittish in wind. On Sunday, July 13, 1890, a hot, oppressive day, the Sea Wing and an accompanying barge set out on a daylong pleasure cruise on the lake. During the evening return trip, the boat and barge encountered severe storms and both capsized. Ninety-eight people were killed, including 77 Red Wing residents. Red Wing was soon labeled in newspapers throughout the region as the City of the Dead. The somber memorial on the city waterfront is a grim reminder of the tragedy. Features: Bronze plaques set in stone base.
