Identification & Site Information

• Name, Former Names: A. Booth.

• Type: Propeller-driven fish Tug.

• Year Built: 1882.

• Builder: James P. Smith, Chicago, Illinois.

• Construction: Wooden Hull with a decorative eagle figurehead.

• Dimensions:

• Length: 98 feet (29.9 m).

• Beam: 15 feet (4.6 m).

• Depth: 5.3 feet (1.6 m).

• Tonnage:

• Gross Tonnage: 45.2 tons.

• Net Tonnage: 26.32 tons.

• Final Voyage: August 27, 1886.

• Final Location of Wreck: Approximately 20 miles southwest of Grand Marais, Minnesota, and later 6 miles from Duluth, Minnesota.

• Final Disposition: Sunk during a salvage attempt, resting at a depth of 120 feet (36.6 m).

Vessel Type

The A. Booth was a propeller-driven fish Tug, designed to support the bustling fishing industry of the Great Lakes. Its nimble size and speed made it ideal for transporting supplies to fishing camps and delivering barrelled fish to markets.

Description

The A. Booth was a robust wooden vessel known for its speed and efficiency. The intricate eagle figurehead symbolized its prominence among Great Lakes vessels of its era. Its construction and capabilities positioned it as a key player in the 19th-century fishing trade.

History

Commissioned by Alfred Booth & Co. in 1882, the A. Booth served the fishing industry, linking remote camps along Lake Superior’s shores with the vibrant commerce of Chicago. As a collection Steamer, it brought necessary supplies to fishers and returned with their catch, bolstering the regional economy.

On August 27, 1886, the A. Booth faced catastrophic conditions. Thick fog combined with a violent storm led to its sinking southwest of Grand Marais. While no lives were lost, the vessel was left at the mercy of Lake Superior’s unforgiving waters.

Salvage Attempts

Efforts to recover the A. Booth were undertaken in July 1887. With diver J.G. Falcon and the wrecker S.A. Murphy at the helm, the vessel was successfully raised but suffered a second tragedy. While being towed to Duluth, Minnesota, a storm compromised its flotation barrels, causing the Tug to capsize and sink once more, this time 120 feet beneath the surface and 6 miles from Duluth.

Final Disposition

The A. Booth remains a testament to the risks inherent in Great Lakes navigation. Despite initial success in salvage, the vessel ultimately found a permanent resting place at the bottom of Lake Superior.

Legacy

The A. Booth exemplifies the resilience of the Great Lakes’ maritime community and their contributions to the region’s development. The vessel’s history highlights the dual roles of innovation and vulnerability in maritime pursuits.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes

• David Swayze Shipwreck File

• Great Lakes Ships

Conclusion

The A. Booth’s story enriches the heritage of the Great Lakes, marking it as an essential vessel in the fishing industry of its time. Its tragic end and the challenges faced during its recovery symbolize the indomitable spirit of the region’s maritime legacy.