American Steel Barge Company

The American Steel Barge Company, founded in Superior, Wisconsin, in 1888, was a pioneering force in Great Lakes shipbuilding, specializing in the construction of whaleback vessels. Whaleback barges and steamers were unique in design, with their rounded, cigar-shaped hulls and low-profile decks, built for improved stability and reduced wind resistance in rough waters. These vessels, crafted almost entirely from steel, were designed to carry heavy bulk cargoes such as coal, iron ore, and grain across the often turbulent waters of the Great Lakes and beyond.

Founder and Innovation

The company was established by Captain Alexander McDougall, a Scottish immigrant and experienced Great Lakes mariner. McDougall envisioned the whaleback design as a solution to the inefficiencies and vulnerabilities of traditional wooden vessels. The unique structure of these ships minimized water resistance, making them more stable in high waves and adverse conditions, which were common on the lakes. His design was ahead of its time, featuring hulls that were low to the water and almost entirely enclosed to protect against waves. McDougall’s innovations eventually led to the construction of more than 40 whalebacks, with Barge 129 among the company’s notable builds.

Key Vessels and Contributions

The company built both whaleback barges and steamers, with the most famous being the SS Christopher Columbus, the only whaleback passenger steamer ever constructed, launched in 1892. The Christopher Columbus served for years as a passenger ferry between Milwaukee and Chicago, highlighting the versatility of the whaleback design.

Another significant vessel was Whaleback Barge 129, built in 1893, designed for hauling iron ore. The barge met a tragic end on Lake Superior in 1902 when it was caught in a storm and collided with its tow, the steamer Maunaloa, resulting in its sinking near Vermilion Point. This incident underscored both the durability and the vulnerability of whaleback barges in the face of Lake Superior’s unpredictable conditions.

Decline and Legacy

Despite their innovative design, whaleback ships eventually fell out of favor as technology advanced and shipbuilders began to construct larger steel freighters that could carry more cargo more efficiently. The last whaleback was built in 1898, and by the early 20th century, the company had shifted away from building new whalebacks. The unique design proved challenging to repair and had limitations compared to the newer, larger freighters emerging on the lakes.

Although whaleback ships are no longer in service, the American Steel Barge Company’s contribution to maritime history endures. Whaleback barges remain a symbol of Great Lakes ingenuity and are celebrated for their distinctive design and the mark they left on Great Lakes shipping. Today, the wrecks of several whalebacks, including Barge 129, serve as historical artifacts and popular diving sites, preserving the legacy of McDougall’s groundbreaking designs.

Resources for Further Research

For more information on the American Steel Barge Company and whaleback vessels:

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes

• Great Lakes Ships Database: Great Lakes Ships Database

• Historical accounts on Captain Alexander McDougall and Whaleback design