Degraffe & Kendrick – Engine Builders, Detroit, Michigan

Degraffe & Kendrick was a Detroit-based engineering firm specializing in steam engine manufacturing, particularly for use in large lake vessels. The firm was known for producing low-pressure engines capable of driving large sidewheel steamers, which became an essential part of Great Lakes shipping in the 19th century. Degraffe & Kendrick’s engines, like the one installed on the CLEVELAND in 1852, were often equipped with large cylinders (in this case, a 40-inch cylinder with an 11-foot stroke) that could generate impressive speed and power. Such engines allowed vessels to efficiently move passengers and goods across long distances, connecting key ports along the Great Lakes. Degraffe & Kendrick’s engineering innovations and reliable designs contributed to the firm’s reputation, as they played a significant role in propelling vessels that formed the backbone of lake transportation at the time.