Wreck Report: Steam Screw GENESEE CHIEF

Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: GENESEE CHIEF

•Vessel Type: Steam Screw (later converted to a Barge)

•Year Built: 1846

•Place Built: Carthage, New York

•Initial Registry: U.S. No. 10243

•Tonnage: 429 tons

•Home Port: Detroit, Michigan

•Ownership History: Operated initially from Rochester, New York, and later adapted and managed by various owners.

•Final Configuration: Converted to a Barge on September 5, 1868.

Vessel Type Description

The GENESEE CHIEF began its career as a Steam Screw Vessel, equipped for transporting goods across the Great Lakes. Its robust design facilitated heavy cargo operations. After its Conversion to a Barge in 1868, it served primarily in lumber transportation, showcasing its versatility and durability despite its age.

History

Built in 1846 in Carthage, New York, the GENESEE CHIEF had a distinguished and eventful career spanning several decades. It operated initially as a Steam Screw Vessel from Rochester, New York, and was known for its financial success for its owners.

Significant Incidents:

1.May 1847: Collided with the Schooner CUBA on Lake Ontario, below Niagara. The collision resulted in the sinking of the wheat-laden Schooner, though no lives were lost.

2.April 14, 1868: Caught fire while at Clark’s dry dock in Detroit, causing damages estimated at $15,000.

3.1878: Damaged in a storm on Lake Huron. Despite this, it was patched up and continued service as a lumber carrier.

The vessel’s history reflects its resilience and adaptability, undergoing various repairs and transformations while maintaining its utility. Its Conversion to a Barge in 1868 allowed it to remain a valuable asset for transporting bulk cargoes such as lumber.

Final Disposition

The GENESEE CHIEF continued to operate successfully even after its Conversion to a Barge. While specific details of its ultimate fate are not provided, its enduring service under various configurations highlights its importance in Great Lakes maritime history.

Notable Features

•Rigging Changes: Adapted to meet changing operational demands, including its Conversion from a steam screw to a Barge.

•Cargo History: Known for carrying wheat, lumber, and other goods critical to the region’s economy.

•Incidents: Despite collisions and fire damage, the vessel was repeatedly repaired and returned to service.

Resources & Links

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes Database: Maritime History of the Great Lakes

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: David Swayze Shipwreck File

Conclusion

The GENESEE CHIEF is a testament to the resilience and versatility of 19th-century Great Lakes vessels. From its early days as a steam screw to its later years as a Barge, the ship played a vital role in the regional economy. Despite its many challenges, including collisions, fire, and storm damage, it remained in service for decades, leaving a lasting legacy in Great Lakes maritime history.

Keywords

•GENESEE CHIEF

•Steam Screw Vessel

•Lake Ontario collision

•Detroit fire incident

•Great Lakes lumber Barge

•19th-century shipping history