Identification & Site Information
- Name: I.M. Weston
- Former Names: None
- Official Registration Number: 100325
- Date Built and Launched: Built in 1883 by Duncan Robertson, Grand Haven, Michigan
- Measurements: 97 ft (29.6 m) length x 18 ft (5.5 m) beam x 8 ft (2.4 m) depth; Gross Tonnage: 95 tons; Net Tonnage: 58 tons
- Date Lost: September 4, 1902
- Place of Loss: Chicago River, Chicago, Illinois
- Lake: Lake Michigan
Vessel Type
The I.M. Weston was a wooden-hulled, propeller-driven Steamer originally built as a passenger vessel, later converted to a fruit boat, and eventually returned to passenger and freight service, including excursion runs along the Chicago River.
Description
Launched in 1883, the I.M. Weston was designed as a passenger Steamer, suited for short-haul trips along the shores of Lake Michigan and river routes. Her modest size and shallow Draft made her ideal for navigating the narrower waterways around Chicago and for transporting perishable goods, like fruit, during her time as a cargo vessel. Over her operational lifespan, she transitioned between roles, reflecting the dynamic nature of maritime commerce in the region during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
History
Built by Duncan Robertson in Grand Haven, Michigan, the I.M. Weston began her career as a passenger Steamer, catering to the growing demand for waterborne transportation along the Lake Michigan shoreline. At some point in her career, she was converted into a fruit boat, capitalizing on the need to transport perishable goods efficiently across the lake.
Later, she returned to passenger service, offering excursion trips along the Chicago River—a popular activity during the era as Chicago expanded rapidly and recreational river tours became fashionable. By the early 1900’s, the vessel was owned by the Chicago Drainage Canal Transportation Co., a company likely involved in both commercial and leisure transportation on the waterways connected to the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal.
On September 4, 1902, while laid up for repairs in Chicago harbor, the I.M. Weston caught fire. The fire quickly consumed the wooden vessel, and despite efforts to control the blaze, she was completely destroyed and declared a Total Loss. Fortunately, no lives were lost in the incident, as the vessel was not in active service at the time.
Final Disposition
The I.M. Weston was burned to the waterline and declared a Total Loss in the Chicago River on September 4, 1902. No salvage or recovery efforts were recorded, and the remains were likely cleared from the harbor shortly thereafter.
Located By & Date Found
Nil return.
NOTMARs & Advisories
No specific navigational warnings or obstructions related to the I.M. Weston have been issued.
Resources & Links
Conclusion
The I.M. Weston exemplifies the versatility of Great Lakes steamers during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Her transitions from passenger Steamer to fruit boat and back to passenger service reflect the shifting demands of regional commerce and transportation. While her career ended abruptly in a fire in 1902, her history is a small but significant part of Chicago’s rich maritime past, particularly during a period of rapid urban and industrial growth along the city’s waterways.
Suggested Keywords: I.M. Weston, Chicago River shipwrecks, Lake Michigan steamers, Great Lakes fruit boats, Chicago maritime history, excursion Steamer fire.
Categories: Shipwrecks of Lake Michigan, Chicago Maritime History, Great Lakes Passenger Steamers.
Glossary Terms: Propeller-Driven Steamer, Fruit Boat, Excursion Steamer, Chicago Drainage Canal Transportation Co., Vessel Fire Total Loss.
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