Identification & Site Information:

•Vessel Name: William Dickinson

•Type: Tugboat

•Year Built: 1893

•Builder: E.W. Heath, Benton Harbor, Michigan

•Final Location: Near Tag-a-Long Trailer Park, south of the Marine City DNR boat launch, St. Clair River, Michigan

•Date of Loss: September 16, 1923

•Cause of Loss: Fire at the Salt Dock, Marine City, Michigan

Vessel Type Description:

The William Dickinson was a wooden-hulled Tugboat built for towing and rescue operations on the Great Lakes. It featured a Screw Propulsion system powered by a high-pressure engine, providing reliability and versatility in the demanding conditions of Great Lakes navigation. The vessel’s robust design and powerful engine made it a vital tool for assisting larger ships and performing specialized tasks such as searches and rescues.

History:

•Construction:

Built in 1893 by E.W. Heath at Benton Harbor, Michigan, the William Dickinson was originally owned by Barry Bros. Towing Co. of Chicago, Illinois. Its propulsion system included a 375-horsepower engine built by R. Tarrant Iron Works, driven by a 9’ x 14’ Firebox Boiler manufactured by Johnston Bros.

•Service:

•February 1895: Participated in the search for the ill-fated Steamship CHICORA on Lake Michigan.

•August 1904: Played a heroic role in Chicago when a car fell off the Rush Street drawbridge into the Chicago River. The William Dickinson rescued most of the car’s occupants, showcasing its capability in emergency situations.

•Specifications:

•Length: 78.2 feet (23.8 meters)

•Beam (Width): 19.5 feet (5.9 meters)

•Depth: 10.9 feet (3.3 meters)

•Gross Tonnage: 78.98

•Net Tonnage: 49.33

•Final Incident:

On September 16, 1923, the William Dickinson burned while docked at the Salt Dock in Marine City, Michigan. The fire occurred at the McLouth Shipyard, rendering the Tugboat a Total Loss. Its documents were surrendered on September 29, 1923, marking the official end of its operational history.

Final Disposition:

The wreckage of the William Dickinson rests in the St. Clair River, near the Tag-a-Long Trailer Park, south of the Marine City DNR boat launch. Various machinery, including the large boiler, remains at the site, providing a tangible connection to the vessel’s history.

Current Condition & Accessibility:

•Site Description:

The wreck includes significant remnants, such as the Tugboat’s boiler, lying on its side. The site is shallow and accessible, making it a potential point of interest for divers and maritime historians.

•Accessibility:

Located near the shoreline, the wreckage is relatively easy to reach for those interested in exploring its remains.

Resources & Links:

•Great Lakes Maritime History: Research archives on tugboats and shipwrecks like the William Dickinson.

•Marine City Historical Society: Possible additional records or photographs of the vessel.

•NOAA Wrecks Database: For detailed site data on the wreck’s exact location and condition.

Analysis:

The William Dickinson exemplifies the critical role of tugboats in the Great Lakes’ maritime industry during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its participation in rescue efforts, such as the Rush Street drawbridge incident, highlights the vessel’s utility and importance. The fire that ended its service in 1923 underscores the vulnerability of wooden vessels operating in industrial environments. The wreck’s remnants provide an opportunity for historical exploration and underscore the enduring legacy of Great Lakes shipping.

Keywords:

William Dickinson Tugboat, Marine City shipwreck, St. Clair River fire, Great Lakes towing history, McLouth Shipyard, Great Lakes maritime history.

Conclusion:

The William Dickinson remains a poignant example of the workhorse tugboats that shaped the Great Lakes maritime landscape. From its heroic rescue efforts to its fiery demise, the vessel’s story reflects both the resilience and fragility of wooden ships. Its wreck site near Marine City offers a glimpse into the industrial past and invites exploration for those fascinated by maritime history.