Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: Benton

• Type: Passenger Steamer (converted to Bulk Freighter in 1883)

• Year Built: 1867

• Builder: Hitchcock & Gibson, Buffalo, New York

• Material: Wood

• Dimensions:

• Length: 146.6 feet (44.7 meters)

• Beam: 28.1 feet (8.6 meters)

• Depth: 8.7 feet (2.65 meters)

• Gross Tonnage: 418.75 tons

• Net Tonnage: 304.78 tons

• Final Location: Ford Rouge Plant, Detroit, Michigan

• Date of Final Incident: August 1, 1909

• Cause of Loss: Fire while unloading cargo

Vessel Type Description

The Benton was initially constructed as a passenger Steamer designed to serve routes across Lake Michigan and later between Toledo and Saginaw. Its transition into a bulk freighter in 1883 signaled a shift in its operational purpose, reflecting the evolving needs of maritime trade in the Great Lakes. With its wooden Hull and early Conversion history, the vessel embodied the transitionary period between passenger transport and industrial shipping.

History

Early Years (1867–1870)

The Benton was built in Buffalo, New York, in 1867 and initially owned by John T. Edwards of St. Joseph, Michigan. It served routes connecting Chicago, St. Joseph, and Benton Harbor. In 1868, ownership transferred to the Lake Michigan Transportation Company, followed by other owners in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, and Benton Harbor, Michigan.

By 1870, it was acquired by the River & Lake Shore Steam Boat Line of Detroit, operating on routes between Toledo and Saginaw.

Incidents and Repairs

The Benton experienced its share of mishaps and repairs, including:

• October 1872: The vessel ran ashore at Tawas City, Michigan, but was recovered and repaired.

• 1874: The addition of a new Deck improved its structural capacity.

• 1883: A significant Rebuild converted it into a bulk freighter, likely for the transport of bulk commodities such as coal or timber.

Later Ownership and Service

From 1871 onward, the Benton saw a variety of owners from Detroit and other cities in the Great Lakes region. Its role shifted between freight operations, with multiple updates to ensure seaworthiness. In 1906, the Benton ran ashore at South Bass Island in Lake Erie but was salvaged and returned to service.

Final Incident

On August 1, 1909, the Benton was unloading unfinished wooden automobile parts at the Ford Rouge Plant near Detroit, Michigan, when it caught fire. The vessel was engulfed in flames, leading to its complete destruction.

There are no recorded casualties in this incident, but the vessel’s destruction marked the end of its operational life. The ship’s documents were formally surrendered on March 10, 1910, in Detroit, signaling its official removal from the shipping registry.

Final Disposition

The Benton was declared a Total Loss following the fire. The remains were likely removed or left to deteriorate near the Ford Rouge Plant. Its fiery demise brought an end to a long and varied career on the Great Lakes.

Resources & Links

• David Swayze Shipwreck File: A comprehensive database of Great Lakes shipwrecks.

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Historical context and detailed vessel records.

• Great Lakes Ships: Profiles and histories of ships operating in the Great Lakes region.

• Bowling Green State University Archives: Research resources for Great Lakes maritime history.

Keywords

• Benton

• Great Lakes Shipwreck

• Passenger Steamer

• Bulk Freighter

• Detroit Fire Incident

• Maritime History

• Lake Michigan

• Lake Erie

Conclusion

The Benton serves as a vivid example of the diverse and often perilous careers of vessels on the Great Lakes. From its origins as a passenger Steamer to its later role as a bulk freighter, the Benton adapted to the changing demands of regional commerce. Its final days at the Ford Rouge Plant, where it succumbed to fire, underscore the inherent risks of maritime trade and transportation during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Benton’s story is a valuable part of the broader narrative of Great Lakes shipping history.