Identification & Site Information

• Name: DOVE
• Other Names: None
• Official Number: 6512
• Date Built and Launched: 1867
• Measurements: Length: 187 feet (57 meters); Beam: 24 feet (7.3 meters); Depth: 8 feet (2.4 meters); Gross Tonnage: 440 tons; Net Tonnage: 320 tons
• Date Lost: November 24, 1897
• Vessel Type. Wooden sidewheel steamer, passenger vessel

Description

The DOVE was a wooden Sidewheel Steamer constructed in 1867 by shipbuilder A. A. Turner in Trenton, Michigan. Designed primarily for passenger excursions, she measured 187 feet in length with a beam of 24 feet and a depth of 8 feet, registering a Gross Tonnage of 440 tons and a Net Tonnage of 320 tons. Throughout her service, the DOVE was celebrated for her elegant design and was a favoured choice for leisure cruises on the Great Lakes.

History

During her operational years, the DOVE served as a popular excursion Steamer, offering passengers scenic voyages across Lake Erie and connecting ports. In 1894, she was acquired by A. E. Klanser of Toledo, Ohio, reportedly purchased at a fraction of her value. Under Klanser’s ownership, the DOVE continued her excursion services, contributing to the regional tourism industry.

Tragically, on November 24, 1897, while docked in Toledo, the DOVE was engulfed by a catastrophic fire. The blaze consumed the vessel entirely, rendering her a Total Loss. Fortunately, there were no reports of casualties resulting from the incident. The charred remains of the Steamer remained at the dock until May 1899, when the hulk was demolished using dynamite to clear the berth.

Final Disposition

Destroyed by fire on November 24, 1897, while moored at her dock in Toledo, Ohio. The remains were subsequently demolished in May 1899.

Located By & Date Found

The wreckage was removed in May 1899; no specific details about the removal process are available.

NOTMARs & Advisories

No current navigational warnings or advisories are associated with the former location of the DOVE wreck.

Resources & Links

• Great Lakes Shipwreck Files: DOVE

The DOVE’s history exemplifies the vibrant era of passenger steamers on the Great Lakes during the late 19th century. Her untimely destruction underscores the challenges and hazards faced by maritime vessels of that period.

Keywords: DOVE, Sidewheel Steamer, Great Lakes shipwreck, Toledo Ohio, maritime history

Categories: Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Maritime History, Passenger Steamers

Glossary Terms:

• Sidewheel Steamer: A steam-powered vessel propelled by large paddle wheels mounted on either side of the Hull.
• Gross Tonnage: A measure of the overall internal volume of a vessel.
• Net Tonnage: The volume of cargo a vessel can carry, calculated by subtracting non-revenue-earning spaces from the Gross Tonnage.
• Excursion Steamer: A passenger vessel primarily used for leisure trips and sightseeing cruises.
• Hulk: The remaining Hull of a ship that is no longer seaworthy.