Detroit & Duck Island Transportation Co.

The Detroit & Duck Island Transportation Co. was a 19th-century Great Lakes shipping company based in Detroit, Michigan. The company was primarily involved in passenger and freight transport, catering to both commercial and individual needs. Operating in the bustling maritime trade environment of the Great Lakes, it facilitated the movement of goods and passengers along critical routes, especially in Michigan and surrounding states.

Role in Great Lakes Maritime History

• Regional Significance: The company played a key role in the interconnected transport networks of the Great Lakes, contributing to Detroit’s position as a hub for trade and shipping during the late 19th century.

• Fleet Composition: The company’s fleet included vessels like the E.K. Roberts (later renamed City of Windsor and Michipicoten), which transported goods such as fish, building materials, and agricultural products, and also carried passengers.

• Service Areas: Operations were concentrated around Detroit, Duck Island, and other prominent ports along the Great Lakes.

The E.K. Roberts

One of the notable vessels in the Detroit & Duck Island Transportation Co.’s fleet, the E.K. Roberts, was:

• Built: 1883 by the Detroit Dry Dock Co.

• Usage: Primarily used for both passenger and freight services.

• Trade: Specialized in the fish trade and general freight transportation.

• Demise: The vessel eventually caught fire and sank in 1927 near Cook’s Dock, Lake Huron.

The inclusion of vessels like the E.K. Roberts underscores the company’s dual focus on both regional commerce and passenger services.

Legacy

While little detailed information survives about the Detroit & Duck Island Transportation Co., its operations contributed to the rich maritime history of Detroit and the Great Lakes during the 19th century. The company exemplifies the significance of regional transportation businesses in supporting trade, travel, and economic growth during this period.