Detailed History of the Steamer DOMINION

Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: DOMINION

•Type: Sidewheel Steamer

•Build Date: 1867

•Builder: John Bruce

•Built At: Wallaceburg, Ontario

•Length: 117 feet (35.7 meters)

•Beam: 25 feet (7.6 meters)

•Depth: 8 feet (2.4 meters)

•Gross Tonnage: 175 tons

•Net Tonnage: 117 tons

•Construction Material: Wood

•Owner: Captain J. W. Steinhoff (Wallaceburg/Chatham, Ontario)

•Homeport: Chatham, Ontario

History & Service

The DOMINION, a Sidewheel Steamer built in 1867 by John Bruce in Wallaceburg, Ontario, was a vital vessel for transportation and trade in the St. Clair River region. Its wooden construction, coupled with its size and propulsion system, made it well-suited for operations between Chatham, Ontario, and Detroit, Michigan. The vessel was predominantly engaged in carrying passengers and cargo, including lumber and other goods crucial to the local economy.

Incident Timeline

1.July 30, 1875 – Catastrophic Fire

•Location: Approximately five miles downriver from Chatham, Ontario.

•Details: While docked and loaded with 55 cords of wood, a fire broke out in the galley. The flames quickly spread, and despite the crew’s attempts to extinguish the fire, it became uncontrollable.

•Outcome:

•The crew Abandoned the vessel, jumping into the river to save themselves.

•The fire consumed the DOMINION down to the waterline, leaving nothing salvageable.

•The vessel’s loss was valued at $15,000, with insurance covering $10,000.

2.Ownership and Operation

•Owned by Captain J.W. Steinhoff of Wallaceburg/Chatham, the DOMINION had been a staple on the St. Clair River for years. Its role in regional trade and transport underscored its importance to the communities it served.

Design Features

•The DOMINION was a wooden Sidewheel Steamer, a design well-suited for the rivers and channels of the Great Lakes region. Its specifications included a length of 117 feet, a beam of 25 feet, and a Draft of 8 feet. The vessel’s propulsion was provided by side paddle wheels, enabling it to navigate the St. Clair River effectively.

•With a Gross Tonnage of 175 tons, it had the capacity to carry significant cargo loads, such as lumber and other goods, along with passengers.

Significance and Legacy

The DOMINION’s loss highlights the risks associated with wooden steamers during the 19th century. Fires were a constant threat due to the combination of wood construction, onboard kitchens, and the transport of flammable materials. Despite being a critical vessel for the region, its destruction marked the end of an era for sidewheel steamers like it on the St. Clair River.

The event also underscores the challenges of maritime operations in the Great Lakes, where accidents, fires, and severe weather often claimed vessels and lives. The DOMINION’s story is a reminder of the resilience of Great Lakes communities and the reliance on maritime transport during this formative period in Canadian and American history.

Resources & Links

1.Maritime History of the Great Lakes

Comprehensive records of vessels operating on the Great Lakes.

Visit Maritime History of the Great Lakes

2.Board of Lake Underwriters Marine Directory

Historical data on vessel registrations and incidents.

3.Local Archives – Chatham and Wallaceburg

Insights into regional maritime heritage.

4.Buffalo Commercial Advertiser Archives

News coverage of Great Lakes maritime disasters.

Keywords

•Sidewheel Steamer

•DOMINION

•St. Clair River

•Chatham, Ontario

•Maritime Fire Incident

•19th Century Great Lakes Vessels

•Wooden Shipwrecks

Conclusion

The Steamer DOMINION was an integral part of maritime life on the St. Clair River, providing vital transport for goods and passengers. Its loss to a devastating fire in 1875 reflects the inherent dangers of operating wooden steamships during this period. While the vessel’s story ends in tragedy, it remains a significant chapter in the history of Great Lakes shipping, illustrating the resilience of the communities that relied on such vessels for survival and growth.