Identification & Site Information

• Name: ED. L. ANTHONY
• Former Names: None
• Official Number: 8880
• Type at Loss: Tug, wood-hulled
• Date Built and Launched: 1869
• Builder: G. Notter, Buffalo, New York
• Measurements: 41 ft (12.5 m) length, 11 ft (3.4 m) beam, 5 ft (1.5 m) depth; 14 gross tons
• Date Lost: July 8, 1885
• Place of Loss: Chicago Harbor, off the foot of 59th Street, Lake Michigan

Vessel Type

Wooden Tugboat

Description

The ED. L. ANTHONY was a small, wooden-hulled Tugboat constructed in 1869 by G. Notter in Buffalo, New York. Tugs of this size were commonly used for towing operations, assisting larger ships in harbors, and performing general utility work along the Great Lakes. Owned by Captain Reed of Chicago, the Tug was a familiar sight in the bustling waters around Chicago Harbor and South Chicago.

History

The ED. L. ANTHONY served in various towing and harbor operations on Lake Michigan for over 15 years. However, her service history was marred by several serious incidents, reflecting both the inherent dangers of steam-powered vessels and the harsh conditions of Great Lakes navigation.

One of the Tug’s most notable accidents occurred on November 22, 1873, in Milwaukee, when the boiler exploded, resulting in the loss of one life. Despite this catastrophic event, the vessel was repaired and returned to service, continuing to operate in the Chicago area.

The Tug’s final voyage occurred on July 8, 1885, while en route from Chicago to South Chicago. Approximately two miles offshore, the fire grate in the Tug’s engine room came loose, causing red-hot coals to spill into the confined space. The coals ignited a fire, which quickly spread throughout the vessel. Recognizing the imminent danger, Captain Reed attempted to run the Tug toward shore, steering into the teeth of a gale in a desperate bid to beach the vessel.

Despite these efforts, the ED. L. ANTHONY sank just short of the shoreline near 59th Street in Chicago Harbor. Fortunately, both crew members aboard the Tug managed to escape, and no lives were lost in this incident.

Final Disposition

Caught fire and sank near 59th Street, Chicago Harbor, on July 8, 1885. The vessel was a Total Loss.

Located By & Date Found

Nil—no confirmed reports of the wreck’s recovery or current location.

NOTMARs & Advisories

Nil—no current navigational advisories related to the ED. L. ANTHONY wreck site in Chicago Harbor.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Great Lakes Ships Database
• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• Chicago Maritime Museum

Conclusion

The ED. L. ANTHONY serves as a poignant example of the dangers faced by small steam-powered vessels on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. From the boiler explosion in Milwaukee in 1873 to the fatal fire in Chicago in 1885, the Tug’s history reflects both the technological risks of the steam era and the challenges of operating in the often unpredictable conditions of Lake Michigan. Despite these dangers, vessels like the ED. L. ANTHONY were vital to the commerce and industry of the region, playing essential roles in harbor operations and ship assistance. The Tug’s final loss underscores the perils faced by mariners navigating the waters of Chicago Harbor and the broader Great Lakes.

Keywords, Categories, and Glossary Terms

• Keywords: ED. L. ANTHONY Tug, Chicago Harbor shipwreck, Lake Michigan Tugboat fire, Great Lakes boiler explosion, Captain Reed Chicago, G. Notter Buffalo shipbuilding
• Categories: Lake Michigan Shipwrecks, Wooden Tugboat Losses, Fire-Related Shipwrecks, Boiler Explosions on the Great Lakes, 19th Century Maritime Disasters
• Glossary Terms:
• Fire Grate: A metal grate in a steam engine where fuel is burned; if damaged or dislodged, it can cause fires in the engine room.
• Boiler Explosion: A catastrophic failure of a steam boiler, often resulting in significant damage, injuries, or fatalities.
• Teeth of a Gale: A nautical term referring to navigating directly into strong, high winds, often as a last resort in emergencies.