T. Rogers, East Saginaw, Michigan

T. Rogers, East Saginaw, Michigan was a prominent shipbuilding company that operated during the 19th century, specifically in the late 1800s. Saginaw, Michigan, was a significant shipbuilding center during the industrial boom of the Great Lakes region, thanks to its proximity to important shipping routes, and the availability of timber for ship construction.

T. Rogers Shipbuilding Company Overview

• Location: East Saginaw, Michigan (now part of Saginaw, Michigan)
• Active Period: Primarily in the 1880s and early 1900s
• Type of Vessels Built:
• Primarily wooden ships, including propellers, schooners, and tugboats.
• The company focused on constructing cargo vessels like barges and sand-suckers for industries related to mining, iron ore, and grain transportation across the Great Lakes.

Notable Ships built, owned or operated by T. Rogers

• TRANSFER (1888) Type: Propeller Barge, wood, Sandsucker Specs: 140 x 32 x 6 ft, 178g (gross), 166n (net) Loss: Sank in a storm on May 28, 1896, about 3 miles east of Lorain, Ohio, while in tow of the tug CASCADE. She was carrying pig iron at the time Additional Detail: The TRANSFER wrecked while trying to enter harbor during a gale. After sinking in 30 feet of water, the vessel was later stripped of its machinery in 1897.
•  TUG T. ROGERS (possibly another vessel associated with the company) Type: Tugboat (Wooden) Details: T. Rogers also built tugboats for harbor operations in the Great Lakes, known for their durability and work in towage operations for barges and larger vessels.

Historical Context of Shipbuilding in East Saginaw

During the late 1800s, Saginaw Bay was a critical shipping route connecting Lake Huron to the rest of the Great Lakes. As shipping and industry in the area grew, shipyards like T. Rogers contributed to the booming timber industry, which supplied the necessary materials for shipbuilding.  Shipyards in Saginaw were strategically positioned along rivers like the Saginaw River and near the Saginaw Bay, facilitating easy access to water transportation.

The industry saw an uptick in production during the 1880s, driven by an increase in demand for bulk cargo transport and the need for industrial shipping vessels.  Saginaw also became a hub for shipping goods, primarily lumber, grains, coal, and later iron ore, making the shipyards crucial to the region’s economy.

Legacy of T. Rogers and East Saginaw Shipbuilding

Although T. Rogers may not have the same widespread recognition today as some other shipbuilders, it played an important role in supplying Great Lakes commerce with functional, durable vessels. Their vessels were well-regarded for working in harsh lake conditions, including storms and the icy waters of the Great Lakes.

With the decline of the shipbuilding industry in the early 20th century, many smaller shipyards like T. Rogers were overtaken by larger, more industrialized shipyards, and some companies closed their operations. However, East Saginaw’s shipbuilding legacy remains a significant part of Michigan’s industrial history.

Conclusion

T. Rogers of East Saginaw was part of a network of shipbuilding companies that played an essential role in developing the infrastructure of the Great Lakes shipping industry. The company’s output, including the TRANSFER and other vessels, helped ensure that industries dependent on water transport could continue to thrive on the Great Lakes. The vessels built by T. Rogers were integral in moving bulk cargo, and their ships, particularly tugboats and barges, continued to shape the maritime landscape for decades.