Identification & Site Information

• Name: Buffalo

• Type: Wooden Propeller Steam Tug

• Year Built: 1887

• Builder: Mahar & O’Grady, Buffalo, New York

• Official Number: 3368

• Dimensions:

• Length: 69 feet (21 m)

• Beam: 17 feet (5.2 m)

• Depth: 10 feet (3 m)

• Tonnage: Gross: 60 tons, Net: 30 tons

• Final Location: Portage Lake, Keweenaw County, Michigan, Lake Superior

• Date of Loss: April 29, 1907

Vessel Type Description

The Buffalo was a wooden steam-powered propeller Tug, commonly used for towing and fireboat duties. Compact yet powerful, it was a versatile vessel built for service on the Great Lakes. Its construction was robust to endure demanding tasks, such as towing heavy loads of logs and assisting in port operations.

History

Construction and Early Use

Built in 1887 by Mahar & O’Grady in Buffalo, New York, the Buffalo served multiple owners and purposes over its career:

• 1890: Enrolled in Port Huron under A.W. Comstock.

• Later in 1890: Owned by Henry Lay of Sandusky, it towed an impressive 6,000,000 feet of logs from French River to Tawas.

• 1891: Sold to Inman Tug Lines in Duluth, reflecting its growing role in major ports.

• 1900: Owned by the Great Lakes Towing Company, further cementing its role as a utility vessel.

By the early 1900s, the Buffalo was outfitted as a fireboat for the port of Duluth, showcasing its adaptability.

Final Voyage and Sinking

On April 29, 1907, the Buffalo sank in Portage Lake, Keweenaw County, Michigan, while en route from Marquette to Duluth. Ice in the lake cut through the vessel, causing it to founder in nearly 50 feet (15.2 m) of water. Although declared a Total Loss, the crew of six escaped without injury.

Recovery Efforts

The wreckage of the Buffalo remained submerged for seven years before being raised in 1914. However, the vessel was never Rebuilt, and its operational history effectively ended with the sinking.

Ownership Timeline

1. 1887: Mahar & O’Grady (builder)

2. 1890: A.W. Comstock (Port Huron enrollment)

3. 1890: Henry Lay (Sandusky)

4. 1891: Inman Tug Lines (Duluth)

5. 1900: Great Lakes Towing Company

6. 1914: Jas. Whalen (Port Arthur)

Final Disposition

The Buffalo sank due to ice damage in Portage Lake and was declared a Total Loss. Though it was raised in 1914, it was never restored or returned to service.

NOTMARs & Advisories

• Current Status: There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or navigational hazards associated with the Buffalo wreck site.

Located By & Date

The Buffalo was recovered in 1914 after remaining submerged for seven years. Its exact current condition and location in Portage Lakeare unknown.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The raised remains of the Buffalo were likely salvaged or Abandoned. No remnants are known to exist for exploration or documentation today.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes

• David Swayze Shipwreck File

• Great Lakes Ships Database

Conclusion

The Buffalo was a quintessential example of a Great Lakes Tug, valued for its adaptability and utility. Despite its robust design, it succumbed to the harsh conditions of Lake Superior in 1907, marking the end of its 20-year service. Its story highlights the resilience of early mariners and the dangers inherent in Great Lakes navigation.

Keywords

Buffalo steam Tug, wooden propeller vessel, Lake Superior shipwreck, Portage Lake, Great Lakes maritime history, fireboat Conversion, 1907 sinking, ice damage shipwreck, Keweenaw County.