Lake Michigan & Lake Superior Transportation Co.

Overview:
The Lake Michigan & Lake Superior Transportation Company was a prominent shipping and passenger transportation company operating on the Great Lakes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The company facilitated both freight transport and passenger services across Lake Michigan and Lake Superior, contributing significantly to the economic development of the Great Lakes region.

Operations & Services

• Passenger & Freight Services:
  The company operated a fleet of steamers, propeller vessels, and freighters that served as essential links between major port cities like Chicago, Milwaukee, Duluth, and Detroit. The fleet transported passengers, agricultural products, industrial goods, and raw materials between the Upper Midwest and other Great Lakes ports.
• Routes:
  The Lake Michigan & Lake Superior Transportation Co. operated on routes connecting key ports:
• Chicago – Duluth
• Milwaukee – Grand Haven
• Detroit – Lake Superior Ports (including Marquette, Houghton, and Sault Ste. Marie)
• Fleet:
  The company managed a variety of vessels designed to meet both passenger comfort and freight efficiency. One of the notable vessels in their fleet was the wooden propeller steamer City of Duluth, which operated in the passenger and freight sector until its loss in 1898 near St. Joseph, Michigan.

Notable Incidents & Historical Significance

• Involvement in Maritime Accidents:
  Several vessels under the Lake Michigan & Lake Superior Transportation Co. experienced groundings, collisions, and mechanical issues typical of the challenging navigation conditions on the Great Lakes. These incidents reflect both the hazards of Great Lakes shipping and the resilience of companies in the face of maritime challenges.
• Contribution to Regional Development:
  The company played a pivotal role in supporting the economic growth of Great Lakes communities by ensuring the reliable transport of goods and passengers during an era of industrial expansion and urbanization.

Notable Vessels associated

• City of Duluth was a wooden-hulled propeller steamer, built in 1874 by Philander Lester in Marine City, Michigan. Designed for passenger and freight service, the vessel featured two decks and could accommodate up to 150 passengers alongside substantial cargo. With a length of 202 feet and a gross tonnage of 1,110, the City of Duluth was a mid-sized steamer, typical of the period’s vessels that balanced luxury passenger service with practical cargo transport.

Legacy

The Lake Michigan & Lake Superior Transportation Co. exemplified the dynamic shipping industry that helped shape the Great Lakes region during the late 19th century. While the company eventually faded from prominence due to the rise of railroads and automobile transportation, its role in connecting remote communities and supporting commerce remains a significant part of Great Lakes maritime history.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Great Lakes Vessels Database – BGSU
• Edward J. Dowling Collection, University of Detroit – Mercy

Keywords: Lake Michigan & Lake Superior Transportation Co., Great Lakes Shipping Companies, Maritime History, Passenger & Freight Steamer Services

Categories: Great Lakes Shipping Companies, Maritime Transportation History, 19th Century Great Lakes Commerce

Glossary Terms: Freight Steamer, Passenger Shipping, Great Lakes Transportation Routes, Propeller Vessel, Maritime Commerce