Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: A.F. Bartlett

• Type: Wooden Propeller Steam Tug (Towboat)

• Built: 1871 by H. Heminger, East Saginaw, Michigan

• Dimensions:

• Length: 48 feet (14.6 meters)

• Beam: 10.6 feet (3.2 meters)

• Depth: 5 feet (1.5 meters)

• Gross Tonnage: 10 tons

• Net Tonnage: 5 tons

• Final Location: Duluth, Minnesota, Lake Superior

• Final Disposition: Total Loss due to fire, September 1888

Vessel Type Description

The A.F. Bartlett was a small but sturdy wooden steam Tug designed for towing operations on the Great Lakes. Its relatively compact size and Gross Tonnage of 10 tons made it ideal for handling localized towing assignments in harbors and along short-haul routes. The vessel’s steam propulsion system, a common feature of tugs at the time, provided reliable power for towing other ships or barges.

History

The A.F. Bartlett began its career in 1871 under the ownership of Captain R.J. Hackett, a well-known figure in Great Lakes shipping history. The Tug quickly established itself as a workhorse in the region, taking on towing and harbor operations typical of vessels of its class.

Ownership Changes and Service Life

Ownership of the Tug changed hands multiple times throughout its operational life:

• 1876: Sold to John Horn Jr. of Detroit, Michigan.

• 1878: Half-interest acquired by John Quinn, a submarine diver, for $175, reflecting its use in potentially diverse roles, such as salvage or underwater work.

Incidents and Repairs

In September 1884, the A.F. Bartlett suffered significant damage due to a fire in Bay City, Michigan. Despite the extensive damage, the vessel was raised and repaired, returning to service. It was subsequently enrolled in Monroe, Michigan, where it continued its operations as a Tugboat.

Final Incident

The A.F. Bartlett met its demise in September 1888 in Duluth, Minnesota, on Lake Superior. The Tug caught fire and was declared a Total Loss. The exact circumstances of the fire remain unclear, and there is no record of any casualties associated with the incident. Despite being destroyed, the vessel remained on the official registry until 1900, likely due to an administrative oversight.

Final Disposition

The A.F. Bartlett was completely destroyed by fire in Duluth, Minnesota, and never returned to service. Its loss marked the end of a vessel that had served for nearly two decades as a small but valuable component of the Great Lakes maritime industry.

Resources & Links

• David Swayze Shipwreck File

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes

• Great Lakes Vessel History

Keywords

A.F. Bartlett, Steam Tug, Towboat, Great Lakes History, Lake Superior, Bay City Fire, Duluth Shipwreck, 19th Century Maritime History, Great Lakes tugboats

Conclusion

The A.F. Bartlett exemplifies the small but essential vessels that played a critical role in the development of Great Lakes commerce during the late 19th century. Despite its relatively modest size, the Tug was involved in numerous operations across multiple ports and underwent significant repairs to extend its service life after a fire in 1884. Its ultimate loss in 1888 highlights the hazards faced by these workhorse vessels and the often unpredictable nature of life on the Great Lakes. The story of the A.F. Bartlett offers a glimpse into the industrious spirit and resilience of Great Lakes maritime operations during a transformative period in the region’s history.