Consolidated Steam Ship Company, Ltd.

The Consolidated Steam Ship Company, Ltd. was a maritime shipping firm active during the early 20th century, with operations primarily focused on the Great Lakes region. While detailed historical records about the company are limited, it is known for owning and managing steam-powered freighters and barges used in the transportation of bulk and package freight across the interconnected waterways of the Great Lakes.

Key Operations and Focus:

• Great Lakes Shipping: The company operated during a time when the Great Lakes were a vital commercial artery for transporting goods such as iron ore, coal, grain, cement, and manufactured products. Steamship companies like Consolidated Steam Ship Co. played a critical role in facilitating trade between key industrial ports in the U.S. and Canada.
• Freight Transportation: The company likely specialized in bulk freight operations, moving large quantities of raw materials between ports like Port Arthur, Ontario (a major shipping centre on Lake Superior) and destinations across Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and beyond.
• Fleet Ownership: Consolidated Steam Ship Co. managed a fleet of vessels, including both steam-powered freighters and barges. One of the most notable vessels in its fleet was the package freighter ROME, originally built as the CHICAGO in 1879.

Notable Vessel:

• The ROME (formerly CHICAGO) was acquired by Consolidated Steam Ship Co. in 1909, shortly before it met its tragic end. On November 17, 1909, while operating under the company’s ownership, the ROME caught fire and was destroyed near Lime Island in the St. Mary’s River. The vessel was carrying a cargo of hay and cement, which contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.  This incident marked one of the final events in the vessel’s long and eventful career, reflecting both the hazards of early steamship operations and the company’s role in Great Lakes commerce.

Ownership and Management:

The company’s headquarters were likely located in or near Port Arthur, Ontario (now part of Thunder Bay), a key hub for Canadian maritime operations on the Great Lakes. Prior to its acquisition by Consolidated Steam Ship Co., the ROME had been owned by various shipping firms in both the U.S. and Canada, indicating the company’s interest in maintaining a diverse fleet for both domestic and cross-border trade.

Great Lakes Maritime Context:

During the early 20th century, the Great Lakes experienced a boom in maritime commerce, driven by industrialization, the expansion of railroads, and the growing demand for natural resources. Companies like Consolidated Steam Ship Co. were part of a competitive landscape that included larger firms such as Western Transit Co., Great Lakes Transit Corp., and numerous regional operators.  The Soo Locks, connecting Lake Superior to Lake Huron via the St. Mary’s River, were a critical chokepoint for maritime traffic. Vessels often had to wait their turn to pass through, as was the case with the ROME when it caught fire while anchored near Lime Island.

Research Resources:

To learn more about the Consolidated Steam Ship Company, historical maritime archives and regional collections may provide additional context:

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes (www.maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca)
• Thunder Bay Museum and Archives, Ontario
• Great Lakes Historical Society
• David Swayze Shipwreck File (usace.contentdm.oclc.org)
• Bowling Green State University – Great Lakes Vessels Database (greatlakes.bgsu.edu)

Conclusion:

Though not as widely documented as some of its contemporaries, the Consolidated Steam Ship Company, Ltd. was part of the rich tapestry of Great Lakes maritime commerce during a transformative period in shipping history. Its ownership of vessels like the ROME reflects its involvement in the bustling freight industry that connected the industrial heartlands of the U.S. and Canada through the vast freshwater network of the Great Lakes.