Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: CITY OF ROME

•Type: Steam Barge

•Year Built: 1881

•Builder: Quayle’s Sons’ Yard, Cleveland, Ohio

•Dimensions:

•Length of Keel: 268 feet

•Overall Length: 288 feet

•Beam: 40 feet

•Depth of Hold: 21 feet

•Gross Tonnage: Not specified (estimated based on capacity)

•Capacity: 85,000 to 90,000 bushels of corn

•Original Owners:

•H. J. Winslow

•R. K. Winslow

•Captain B. S. Wolvin

•B. L. Pennington

•Final Location: Off Ripley, 30 miles west of Dunkirk, New York, Lake Erie

•Date of Loss: May 7, 1914

•Cause of Loss: Fire

Vessel Type Description

The CITY OF ROME was a state-of-the-art steam Barge designed to carry substantial cargoes across the Great Lakes. Constructed with robust iron strapping and reinforced planking, the vessel represented a new era in shipbuilding technology at the time. With her sleek design, impressive size, and high capacity, she quickly became a flagship of the lakes, setting a standard for efficiency and durability.

History

The CITY OF ROME was launched in May 1881 at Quayle’s Sons’ Yard in Cleveland, Ohio, amid great fanfare. Her construction featured advanced techniques, including double the amount of iron straps commonly used, which contributed to her structural integrity. Commanded by Captain B. S. Wolvin, one of her owners, the vessel was purpose-built to handle the increasing demands of bulk transportation on the Great Lakes.

Her spacious hold could carry upwards of 85,000 bushels of corn, making her the largest vessel on the lakes at the time of her completion. The addition of powerful engines and boilers, constructed by the Globe Iron Works, ensured that she could meet the rigorous demands of her trade routes efficiently.

Notable Events and Final Voyage

Throughout her service, the CITY OF ROME was a reliable and formidable presence on the Great Lakes, often carrying grain and other bulk goods between ports. However, her illustrious career came to a tragic end on May 7, 1914, when she caught fire off Ripley, New York, about 30 miles west of Dunkirk, in Lake Erie. Despite the rapid spread of the flames, all 17 crew members aboard were successfully rescued, an outcome that underscored the crew’s training and readiness.

Unfortunately, the fire rendered the vessel a Total Loss, marking the end of her journey and the culmination of her contributions to Great Lakes commerce.

Final Disposition

•Date of Loss: May 7, 1914

•Cause of Loss: Fire

•Casualties: None (all 17 crew members rescued)

•Wreckage Status: Lost; remains of the vessel were not salvaged.

Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) & Advisories

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically regarding the CITY OF ROME wreck site. The precise location of the wreck has not been extensively documented or explored.

Resources & Links

1.Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Comprehensive records of historical vessels, including the CITY OF ROME.

2.Great Lakes Ships Database: Historical data and specifications for vessels operating on the Great Lakes.

3.David Swayze Shipwreck File: Information on shipwrecks, including the circumstances of loss.

Legacy

The CITY OF ROME remains a symbol of innovation and craftsmanship in 19th-century shipbuilding. Her design and capacity represented a significant leap forward in maritime engineering, enabling the efficient transport of bulk cargoes that supported the economic development of the Great Lakes region. Although her career ended in tragedy, the vessel’s story underscores the risks inherent in maritime operations and the resilience of the crews who braved these waters.

Her memory endures as a testament to the vital role steam barges played in shaping the history of Great Lakes commerce and transportation.