S.S. Howard L. Shaw (1900, Steel-Hulled Lake Freighter)

Identification & Site Information

• Name: S.S. Howard L. Shaw
• Type: Steel-Hulled Lake Freighter
•  Launch Date: 1900
• Builder: American Shipbuilding Company, Lorain, Ohio
• Measurements Length: 155.4 metres (510 feet) Beam: 16.2 metres (53 feet) Depth: 9.8 metres (32 feet)
• Gross Tonnage: Approx. 6,000 gross tons
• Original Owner: Shaw Steamship Company
• GPS Coordinate’s : 43°28’59.4″N 79°36’29.4″W

Vessel Type & Design

The S.S. Howard L. Shaw was a steel-hulled bulk freighter designed to transport materials such as iron ore, coal, grain, and limestone. Built at the turn of the century, it was part of a wave of modern steel freighters that replaced aging wooden ships, marking the evolution of Great Lakes shipping.

History

Construction and Early Career  Launched in 1900 by the American Shipbuilding Company, the Shaw was named after Howard L. Shaw, a prominent figure in shipping and maritime industries. It entered service at a time when the demand for bulk transportation on the Great Lakes was skyrocketing due to the growth of heavy industry, particularly in steel production. The ship was powered by a reciprocating steam engine, a reliable technology of the era, making it efficient for long hauls across the Great Lakes.

Operational Service

 The S.S. Howard L. Shaw became a familiar sight on the Great Lakes, carrying heavy cargoes between ports like Duluth, Chicago, Buffalo, and Cleveland. Like other freighters of its time, the Shaw contributed to the transportation of raw materials for the booming industrial cities in the U.S. and Canada, playing a critical role in the region’s economic development.

Final Years and Fate

Details regarding the final disposition of the Howard L. Shaw are unclear in existing records. However, vessels of this type typically faced the following fates: Retirement and Scrapping: Many early 20th-century steel freighters were retired and scrapped by the mid-20th century as newer, larger, and more efficient vessels replaced them. Conversion: Some freighters were repurposed as barges or breakwalls, extending their usefulness even after their sailing careers ended.

Historical Significance

Maritime Innovation: The Howard L. Shaw represented the transition from wooden to steel hulls, a pivotal shift in Great Lakes shipping that enabled larger cargo capacities and improved durability. Economic Contribution: Ships like the Shaw were instrumental in transporting the materials needed for industrialization, helping to fuel the economic boom of the early 20th century in both the U.S. and Canada. Legacy of Early Steel Freighters: As one of the earlier steel freighters, the Shaw helped pave the way for future advances in shipbuilding and Great Lakes transportation.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes http://www.maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.caA comprehensive source for Great Lakes vessel histories.
• Bowling Green State University Great Lakes Vessel Database for ship registries and historical details.
• American Shipbuilding Company Records Archives may hold records related to the construction and early career of the Howard L. Shaw.

Conclusion

The S.S. Howard L. Shaw was a pioneering steel freighter that played a significant role in the history of Great Lakes shipping. Launched in 1900, it embodied the technological and industrial advancements of its time. While its ultimate fate remains uncertain, the Shaw’s service underscores the importance of bulk freighters in shaping the economy and maritime heritage of the Great Lakes. Further research may shed light on the later years of this historic vessel.