Identification & Site Information

Vessel Name: Pliny F. Barton (also known as P.F. Barton)

Type: Wooden Propeller Steam Tug

Year Built: 1853

Builder: Buffalo, New York

Dimensions:

•Length: 61 feet 2 inches (18.6 meters)

•Beam: 14 feet 4 inches (4.4 meters)

•Depth: 5 feet 1 inch (1.6 meters)

Tonnage: 40 30/95 tons (old measurement system)

Propulsion: single-cylinder steam engine with one boiler and one propeller

Original Owners: Aaron Goodwin and Wm. Burny, Buffalo, New York

Final Location: Baby’s Point, St. Clair River, Michigan

Date of Loss: May 31, 1865

Condition: Total Loss by fire

Vessel Type Description

The Pliny F. Barton was a small wooden steam Tug designed for utility work, including towing and assisting other vessels in harbors and rivers. Its construction reflected the practical needs of mid-19th-century maritime operations on the Great Lakes. Compact and maneuverable, the Tug was built with a single-cylinder steam engine that powered a solitary propeller, enabling it to perform essential tasks efficiently.

History

Early Years and Service

The Pliny F. Barton, built in Buffalo in 1853, was owned by Aaron Goodwin and Wm. Burny. It served as a functional steam Tug, aiding the movement of larger vessels and handling other harbor duties. By 1860, ownership had shifted to Cook & Son of Irving, New York, indicating the vessel’s continued utility in regional maritime operations.

Mishap in 1859

In 1859, the Tug faced its first significant challenge when it sank in the Blackwall Canal. Despite the severity of the incident, the vessel was successfully raised, repaired, and returned to service. This mishap demonstrated the Tug’s durability and the determination of its operators to keep it operational.

Final Incident – May 31, 1865

Tragically, the Pliny F. Barton met its end in 1865 due to a devastating fire at Baby’s Point in the St. Clair River, Michigan. The fire completely consumed the vessel, resulting in its Total Loss. While contemporary reports, such as those in the Detroit Free Press, documented the disaster, they provided little detail about the circumstances of the fire, the presence of any casualties, or the cargo onboard.

Final Disposition

The Pliny F. Barton was declared a Total Loss after the fire on May 31, 1865. The vessel was completely destroyed, and there were no attempts to salvage or Rebuild it. The incident marked the end of the Tug’s operational history.

Located By & Date

The exact location of the Pliny F. Barton’s remains has not been documented or discovered. Given the fire’s intensity and the Tug’s destruction, it is likely that little, if any, of the vessel remains at the site.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically associated with the wreck of the Pliny F. Barton. Baby’s Point in the St. Clair River remains a historical reference point for the disaster.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The remains of the Pliny F. Barton are presumed to be nonexistent or minimal due to the total destruction caused by the fire. The site, if any remnants remain, is not accessible for exploration.

Resources & Links

•Detroit Free Press, Marine Disasters Summary for 1865: Original reporting on the fire that destroyed the Pliny F. Barton.

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Comprehensive records of vessels operating in the Great Lakes, including tugs like the Pliny F. Barton.

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: Detailed records of vessel incidents and losses on the Great Lakes.

Conclusion

The Pliny F. Barton served as a vital utility Tug during its operational years on the Great Lakes. Despite its practical design and history of resilience, the vessel succumbed to a catastrophic fire in 1865, marking the end of its service. While its loss was significant to the region’s maritime history, the lack of detailed records and surviving remains leaves much about the incident shrouded in mystery. The Pliny F. Barton remains a testament to the challenges of operating wooden steam tugs in the mid-19th century.

Keywords

Pliny F. Barton, P.F. Barton, steam Tug, Baby’s Point fire, Great Lakes shipwreck, wooden vessel, St. Clair River, 19th-century maritime history, Buffalo shipbuilding.