Western Transit Co. (1884–1898)

The Western Transit Company, based in Buffalo, New York, succeeded the Western Transportation Company in 1884. It was established to modernize operations and adapt to the rapidly evolving demands of Great Lakes shipping. Focused on efficiency and profitability, the company became a leading player in the transportation of bulk cargo, particularly grain, coal, and other commodities essential to the industrial economy.

• Badger State had already undergone significant modifications, including engine upgrades, making it suitable for the company’s operational standards.
• Gordon Campbell was a wooden-hulled package freighter with steel reinforcement, designed for transporting both bulk goods and general freight across the Great Lakes. As a screw-propelled vessel with twin engines and twin screws, it was among the more advanced wooden freighters of its era, capable of handling the increasingly heavy demands of Great Lakes commerce.

Fleet Transition

By the late 19th century, the Western Transit Company began replacing its wooden vessels with steel-hulled ships, which offered greater durability and capacity. The Badger State, constructed in 1862, was nearing the end of its operational life under Western Transit’s ownership. In 1898, the company sold the vessel to the Northern Transit Company, marking the end of its tenure with Western Transit.

Legacy

The Western Transit Company played a critical role in advancing Great Lakes commerce, leveraging its fleet to support the economic boom of the late 19th century. The Badger State’s time with the company reflects a transitional period in Great Lakes shipping, as older wooden vessels were gradually phased out in favor of steel-hulled ships that could meet the demands of modern trade.