IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Name: CHAUTAUQUE

• Type: Sidewheel Steamer

• Builder: J.W. Banta, Buffalo, New York

• Year Built: 1839

• Dimensions: Not fully documented, but designed for towing and lighterage

• Service Area: Primarily St. Clair River and surrounding Great Lakes waterways

• Final Disposition: Destroyed by fire on August 9, 1850, on the St. Clair River

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The CHAUTAUQUE was a Sidewheel Steamer, a vessel type renowned for its ability to navigate strong currents and provide essential support to other ships. With its twin paddlewheels, the Steamer was capable of towing larger vessels and facilitating lighterage—transferring cargo between ships and shore. This made it an invaluable resource on the St. Clair Flats, a challenging and congested section of the Great Lakes navigation route.

HISTORY

Service and Challenges

Launched in 1839, the CHAUTAUQUE quickly became an integral part of Great Lakes maritime activity. Operating on the St. Clair River, it specialized in towing and assisting vessels through the shallow and difficult channels of the St. Clair Flats. Over the years, the Steamer faced numerous obstacles, including frequent groundings, damage from ice, and even intentional confrontations.

In 1844, the CHAUTAUQUE ran aground near Buffalo, New York, during a severe gale, an event that highlighted the unpredictable and often perilous nature of Great Lakes navigation. In Detroit, the vessel succumbed to ice damage and sank on multiple occasions, only to be raised, repaired, and returned to service.

A Bold Manoeuvre

One of the most notable events in the CHAUTAUQUE’s history occurred in 1846, when the Steamer intentionally rammed a Schooner that was blocking its departure from Monroe Harbor, Michigan. The daring action, commanded by Captain Joe Raymond, showcased the Steamer’s critical role and the determination of its crew to maintain the smooth operation of shipping routes.

Final Voyage and Destruction

The CHAUTAUQUE’s career ended abruptly on August 9, 1850, when it was engulfed in flames while navigating the St. Clair River. Despite efforts to extinguish the fire, the Steamer was completely destroyed. The quick evacuation of the crew and passengers ensured that no lives were lost. The incident marked the end of the CHAUTAUQUE’s service and added to the long list of maritime disasters on the Great Lakes.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The CHAUTAUQUE was destroyed by fire on the St. Clair River in 1850. The remains of the vessel were consumed in the blaze, leaving no significant wreckage to explore. The loss of the CHAUTAUQUE was a notable event in the region’s maritime history, underscoring the vulnerability of wooden steamers to fire.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the CHAUTAUQUE, as no identifiable wreckage remains. The site is a historical point of interest rather than a navigational concern.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Bowling Green State University
• Great Lakes Ships
• Great Lakes Ships

CONCLUSION

The CHAUTAUQUE’s story is a fascinating chapter in the maritime history of the Great Lakes. From its bold actions under Captain Raymond to its tragic destruction by fire, the vessel epitomized the challenges faced by early steamers navigating these inland seas. The CHAUTAUQUE’s loss serves as a reminder of the ingenuity, resilience, and risks inherent in 19th-century maritime commerce.

KEYWORDS

CHAUTAUQUE Steamer, St. Clair River maritime history, Great Lakes sidewheelers, 19th-century shipwrecks, wooden Steamship fire, towing and lighterage vessels, Captain Joe Raymond, Buffalo shipbuilding history.

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Bowling Green State University
• Great Lakes Ships
• Great Lakes Ships