Dunbar & Sullivan Dredging Company, Buffalo, NY

The Dunbar & Sullivan Dredging Company was a prominent maritime construction and dredging firm based in Buffalo, New York, with operations extending throughout the Great Lakes region and beyond. Founded in the late 19th century, the company specialized in a range of marine construction projects, including dredging operations, harbor improvements, breakwater construction, and other critical infrastructure projects necessary to support commercial navigation and shipping activities across the Great Lakes.

Key Contributions and Operations:

Dredging Expertise: Dunbar & Sullivan was known for its extensive dredging operations, maintaining and deepening shipping channels, harbors, and river mouths to accommodate increasingly larger vessels. Their work was critical to maintaining navigable waterways, especially in major port cities like Buffalo, Detroit, Cleveland, and Chicago.

Marine Construction: In addition to dredging, the company was involved in constructing breakwaters, seawalls, and other marine structures that protected harbors from erosion and harsh weather conditions.

Fleet of Specialized Vessels

• The company operated a large fleet of specialized vessels, including dredges, tugs, scows, and support barges. The tug SACHEM (originally JOHN KELDERHOUSE), which sank in 1950 during ice-breaking operations off Dunkirk, NY, was part of this fleet.
• At just 39 feet in length, with a 12-foot beam and 5-foot draft, the Sagamore was a compact but durable Diesel-powered workboat. Her steel construction made her resilient for operations in challenging Great Lakes conditions, and her shallow draft allowed her to operate effectively in harbors, rivers, and nearshore dredging sites. Initially steam-powered, she was converted to Diesel propulsion, which provided improved fuel efficiency and reliability for long-term workboat service.

Great Lakes Infrastructure Projects: Dunbar & Sullivan played a role in numerous infrastructure projects around the Great Lakes, often working alongside the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on federally funded harbor improvement projects. Their work helped maintain key shipping routes, contributing to the economic growth of the Great Lakes region during the industrial boom of the 20th century.

Notable Incidents:

Sinking of the SACHEM (1950): One of the company’s notable tragedies was the loss of the tug SACHEM during ice-breaking operations on Lake Erie. Despite the harsh conditions and the tragic loss of 12 crew members, the vessel was recovered, reconditioned, and continued in service under different ownership, demonstrating the resilience of both the vessel and the company’s operational standards.

Buffalo’s Role in Maritime Industry:

Dunbar & Sullivan’s headquarters in Buffalo positioned the company at the heart of one of the busiest shipping hubs on the Great Lakes. Buffalo’s strategic location at the eastern end of Lake Erie and as the western terminus of the Erie Canal made it a critical link in North America’s transportation network during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Companies like Dunbar & Sullivan were instrumental in supporting this maritime infrastructure.

Legacy:

Though no longer active under its original name, the legacy of Dunbar & Sullivan lives on through the many maritime structures and improved harbors across the Great Lakes that benefited from their work. Historical references to the company often appear in maritime archives, dredging project records, and shipwreck histories connected to vessels they operated.

For further details, local historical societies, maritime museums in Buffalo, and archives like the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library or the Great Lakes Historical Society could provide more in-depth documentation on the company’s projects and contributions to Great Lakes maritime history.