Identification & Site Information

•Wreck Name: JAMES L. ALLISON

•Vessel Type: Sidewheel Self-Propelled Steam Dredge

•Date of Construction: 1890

•Builder: Saginaw, Michigan

•Official Number: 77034

•Dimensions:

•Length: 60 feet (18.3 meters)

•Beam: 16 feet (4.9 meters)

•Depth: 3 feet (0.9 meters)

•Tonnage:

•Gross: 54 tons

•Net: 29 tons

•Final Disposition: Wrecked during a storm on October 25, 1892

•Location: Unreported

•Coordinates: Not available

Vessel Type Description

The JAMES L. ALLISON was a small yet versatile sidewheel steam Dredge, capable of self-propulsion and towing. Vessels of this type were commonly used in the late 19th century for dredging harbors, rivers, and channels, a critical activity for maintaining navigable waterways on the Great Lakes. As a dual-purpose vessel, the JAMES L. ALLISON served both as a Dredge and a Tugboat, showcasing its utility in regional infrastructure and commerce.

History

Construction and Service

•Built in 1890 in Saginaw, Michigan, a center of shipbuilding for work vessels on the Great Lakes, the JAMES L. ALLISON was designed to address the growing demand for dredging and towing operations in the region.

•The vessel’s specifications made it well-suited for smaller-scale operations, enabling it to maneuver easily in harbors and along rivers.

•Powered by sidewheels, the Dredge could perform essential maintenance tasks while also towing other vessels, making it a valued asset for its owners.

Final Voyage and Loss

•On October 25, 1892, the JAMES L. ALLISON was lost during a storm on the Great Lakes.

•The specific location of the wreck is unknown, and historical records provide few details about the circumstances of the incident.

•It is unclear if the vessel was actively engaged in dredging or towing operations at the time or whether it carried any cargo.

•The vessel’s documents were surrendered at Port Huron on October 27, 1893, finalizing its removal from service.

Final Disposition

The JAMES L. ALLISON succumbed to the hazardous conditions of a storm, a fate shared by many work vessels operating on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. The lack of a precise wreck location adds an element of mystery to its story, leaving questions about its final moments unanswered.

Current Status

•NOTMARs & Advisories: No current Notices to Mariners are associated with the JAMES L. ALLISON, as its wreck site remains undiscovered.

•Discovery: The wreck has not been located or reported in modern records.

Legacy

The JAMES L. ALLISON exemplifies the essential role of sidewheel dredges and tugboats in maintaining the Great Lakes as a critical transportation network. Despite its brief operational life, the vessel contributed to the infrastructure necessary for regional commerce and navigation. Its loss underscores the risks faced by maritime workers in an era when weather forecasting was rudimentary and vessels were highly vulnerable to sudden storms.

Resources & Links

1.Great Lakes Ships: Historical records of vessels and incidents.

2.David Swayze Shipwreck File: Documentation of shipwrecks and their histories.

Keywords

•JAMES L. ALLISON

•Great Lakes Shipwrecks

•Sidewheel Steam Dredge

•Tugboats of the 19th Century

•Great Lakes Maritime History

Conclusion

The JAMES L. ALLISON was a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of Great Lakes work vessels in the late 19th century. Its dual role as a Dredge and Tugboat highlights its importance in maintaining vital waterways. The storm that claimed the vessel in 1892 reflects the ever-present dangers of operating on the Great Lakes, where sudden and severe weather could quickly turn routine tasks into disasters. While its wreck remains undiscovered, the story of the JAMES L. ALLISON adds to the rich maritime history of the region.