Douglas Houghton (1899, Wooden Steamship)

Identification & Site Information

• Name: Douglas Houghton
• Type: Wooden-Hulled Steamship
• Year Built: 1899
• Builder: James Davidson Shipbuilding Company, West Bay City, Michigan
• Owner: Various over its career, including lumber companies and freight operators
• Dimensions: Length: 49.9 metres (164 feet) Beam: 10.4 metres (34 feet) Depth: 3.7 metres (12 feet)
• Gross Tonnage: Approx. 350 tons
• Final Location – Breakwater at Ontario Place

Vessel Type & Purpose

The Douglas Houghton was a wooden-hulled Steamship used primarily as a freighter for transporting lumber and other bulk cargoes. It was built at a time when the timber trade was booming in the Great Lakes region, and such vessels were essential for moving lumber from forested areas in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Ontario to industrial centers.

Construction and Launch

Built in West Bay City, Michigan, by the James Davidson Shipbuilding Company, a notable shipbuilder specializing in large wooden freighters. Launched in 1899, the Douglas Houghton was part of the last generation of wooden steamships, as steel-hulled vessels were becoming the industry standard.

The ship primarily served the lumber trade, transporting timber from logging camps to ports on the Great Lakes. Occasionally carried other bulk cargoes, such as coal or stone, depending on demand.

By the early 20th century, wooden-hulled ships like the Douglas Houghton were being phased out in favor of more durable and efficient steel-hulled vessels. Details regarding its final disposition scuttled as a Breakwater

Significance

Transition Era Vessel The Douglas Houghton represents the end of an era, as wooden steamships were replaced by steel freighters. Ships of its type were a critical part of the Great Lakes logging economy, serving as workhorses during the timber boom of the late 19th century.

Role in the Lumber Industry  The ship’s career reflects the importance of maritime transportation in supporting the timber trade, which was essential for construction, paper production, and industrial growth in the U.S. and Canada.

3Legacy of Wooden Shipbuilding  Built by the James Davidson Shipbuilding Company, one of the most prolific builders of large wooden ships, the Douglas Houghton is part of a storied tradition of craftsmanship and engineering.

Potential Wreck or Fate  Records regarding the fate of the Douglas Houghton are not readily available, suggesting it may have been lost, scuttled, or quietly retired. If the vessel sank, it could lie in one of the major Great Lakes where it operated, such as Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, or Lake Superior.

Resources for Further Research

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes http://www.maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca A valuable source for ship histories and wreck information.
• Great Lakes Historical Society Dedicated to preserving the Maritime History of the Great Lakes.
•  James Davidson Shipbuilding Records Archives or museums in Bay City, Michigan, may have detailed records of the shipbuilder’s vessels.

Conclusion

The Douglas Houghton was a notable example of a wooden Steamship built during the late 19th century, a time when the Great Lakes timber trade was at its height. Its role in transporting bulk cargo made it a critical part of the regional economy. While the specifics of its fate remain unknown, the ship stands as a symbol of the hardworking vessels that supported the industries of the Great Lakes. Further research may uncover more details about its career and ultimate disposition.