The CHALLENGE: Resilience on the Great Lakes

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Vessel Name: CHALLENGE

• Type: Wooden Propeller Steam Tug

• Year Built: 1870

• Builder: Chesley Wheeler, E. Saginaw, Michigan

• Dimensions:

• Length: 58 feet (17.7 meters)

• Beam: 13 feet (4 meters)

• Depth: 5 feet (1.5 meters)

• Tonnage:

• Gross: 17 tons

• Net: 11 tons

• Last Port of Registry: E. Saginaw, Michigan

• Final Voyage Date: September 28, 1880

• Final Disposition: Destroyed by fire, Rebuilt, and returned to service; last documented in 1892.

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The CHALLENGE was a wooden propeller steam Tug, serving the Saginaw River and Lake Huron. Built for towing and maneuvering vessels in busy industrial ports, it was designed to be robust and reliable. The Tug was a critical part of the maritime infrastructure, aiding in the efficient movement of goods and ships in a region bustling with economic activity.

HISTORY

Constructed in 1870 by Chesley Wheeler, the CHALLENGE began its service as a workhorse of the Great Lakes, particularly in Michigan’s industrial ports. Initially owned by George Philcher, the vessel was sold in 1872 to S.S. Perkins and later to Stewart & Sienoin 1879.

The Tug faced numerous challenges:

1. Boiler Explosion (August 1870): Shortly after its launch, the CHALLENGE experienced a catastrophic boiler explosion while docked in E. Saginaw. The vessel sank but was salvaged and Rebuilt without any loss of life.

2. Fire Destruction (September 28, 1880): The vessel was destroyed by a fire in E. Saginaw, declared a Total Loss, and removed from the shipping registry. Despite this setback, the Tug was salvaged and Rebuilt, returning to service by 1883.

The CHALLENGE continued operating until 1892, with its later activities largely undocumented. Its ultimate fate remains unclear, though it likely ended its service due to age or further damage.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The CHALLENGE was destroyed by fire in 1880 but was remarkably salvaged and Rebuilt. After its return to service, the vessel operated for nearly a decade, with its last record in 1892. Its ultimate disposition is unknown.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the CHALLENGE. The vessel’s wreck site is unconfirmed as it was Rebuilt and returned to service after each disaster.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The remains of the CHALLENGE following its Rebuild have not been documented. No wreck site associated with the vessel is currently known.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

Given the vessel’s reconstruction after the fire, there is no wreck site tied to the CHALLENGE. Its final condition and whereabouts after 1892 are unknown, suggesting it may have been dismantled or lost without record.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Comprehensive data on Great Lakes vessels.

• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Documented incidents involving the CHALLENGE and other ships.

• Great Lakes Ships Database: Detailed records of Great Lakes vessels, including the CHALLENGE.

• Port of E. Saginaw Registry Records: Historical enrollment details for the CHALLENGE.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

The CHALLENGE is an emblematic story of resilience, showcasing the resourcefulness and determination of Great Lakes mariners and shipbuilders in the 19th century. Despite facing a boiler explosion and devastating fire, the vessel was salvaged, repaired, and returned to service, a testament to its owners’ dedication to overcoming adversity.

DIVING NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS

No wreck site is associated with the CHALLENGE, as the vessel was Rebuilt and operational after its notable disasters. Maritime enthusiasts should focus on exploring other historical wrecks in the Saginaw River or Lake Huron areas to better understand the era’s shipbuilding and operational challenges.

KEYWORDS

• CHALLENGE steam Tug

• E. Saginaw maritime history

• Great Lakes tugboats

• 19th-century ship fires

• Boiler explosion incidents

• Wooden propeller tugs

• Maritime resilience

CONCLUSION

The CHALLENGE steam Tug exemplifies the challenges and resilience of the Great Lakes maritime industry in the 19th century. Its history—marked by catastrophic events, successful salvages, and prolonged service—offers valuable insights into the era’s technological limitations and the spirit of perseverance among mariners. Though its final fate remains uncertain, the CHALLENGE is remembered as a steadfast vessel that served its purpose despite adversity.