Reed’s Line

Reed’s Line, established by Charles M. Reed of Erie, Pennsylvania, was a prominent steamship company operating on the Great Lakes during the mid-19th century. The line was renowned for its fleet of side-wheel steamers, including the QUEEN CITY, which was built in 1847 by Bidwell & Banta of Buffalo, New York. The QUEEN CITY, an 866-ton vessel, was considered one of the finest passenger boats on the inland waters and operated between Buffalo and Chicago under the command of Captain T.J. Titus. 

Reed’s Line played a significant role in the transportation of passengers and goods across the Great Lakes, contributing to the economic development of the region. The company’s vessels were known for their speed and reliability, making them a preferred choice for travelers and merchants during that era.

However, the line faced challenges, including the loss of vessels like the QUEEN CITY. After serving as a passenger steamer, the QUEEN CITY was converted into a lumber barge. On August 16, 1863, while being towed by the tug EAGLE off Point au Barques in Lake Huron, the QUEEN CITY encountered a heavy storm, sprang a leak, and was abandoned by the tug, leading to the vessel’s sinking and the crew’s perilous journey to shore. 

The decline of Reed’s Line was marked by such incidents, leading to the eventual disappearance of its fleet from the Great Lakes. The company’s history reflects the broader narrative of maritime transportation during the 19th century, highlighting both the advancements and the perils faced by steamship operators of the time.