The sidewheel steamer Boston was designed for the Buffalo and Chicago route delivering passengers and package freight. The upper deck had a barber saloon, two large family rooms, pantries, reading room with library, etc. The main deck can accommodate 250 cabin passengers in the state rooms. The Boston had sufficient room below deck for for up to 400 steerage passengers and room below deck for up to 2000 barrels.
November 11, 1846, nightfall. The sidewheel steamer Boston docked at Higby's pier in Milwaukee Harbor was unloading her cargo when a N.E. squall hit. The Boston ran out to deeper water for safety, but the gale blew down the vessel's stacks thus losing her boiler fire draft and power. The Boston's anchors were lowered, but violence of the sea caused the craft's anchors to drag and she was pushed against the pier. By 11 o'clock the ship was aground. The Boston was pounded to pieces on the beach and became a total wreck.

By early December 1846, a wood platform was built from the beach to the boat so that the cargo and machinery could be salvaged. Pumps were employed but with little effect. The hopes were to save the hull and rebuild her, but to no avail.
Beached at the foot of bluff near St. Francis Seminary. Her hull was left were she was pounded to pieces and her remains were probably later removed. Pieces may still remain nearby.