Identification & Site Information

•Name: Marengo

•Type: Initially launched as a Brig; later listed as a Schooner

•Build Date: 1873

•Builder: Messrs. Wolf & Davidson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

•Owners at Launch: Messrs. R.P. & John Fitzgerald and Joseph Paige

•Official Number: U.S. 90583

•Dimensions:

•Length (Keel): 187 feet (57 metres)

•Beam: 32 feet (9.75 metres)

•Depth of Hold: 13 feet 7 inches (4.14 metres)

•Tonnage:

•1880/81: 645 tons

•1884: 648.25 gross tons; 615.84 net tons

•Capacity: 40,000 bushels of wheat

•Home Port: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

•Cost: Approximately $50,000 at the time of construction

Vessel Type Description

The Marengo was a versatile vessel designed for Great Lakes commerce, reflecting changes in its designation from a Brig to a Schooner. These vessel types were critical for transporting bulk goods such as grain across the lakes. Initially outfitted with the latest machinery and pumps, the Marengo was a state-of-the-art vessel for its time, capable of efficient operation and high cargo capacity.

History

Launch and Early Service

The Marengo was launched on April 2, 1873, at Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Its design and construction were heralded for incorporating advanced machinery and pumping systems. With a capacity of 40,000 bushels of wheat, it represented a significant investment in Great Lakes shipping.

Designation and Classification

Initially reported as a Steamer, subsequent corrections identified the Marengo as a Brig at launch. By 1880, the vessel was listed as a Brig in the Merchant Vessel List with a tonnage of 645 tons. By 1884, it had transitioned to being classified as a Schooner, retaining the same official number and home port.

Role in Commerce

The Marengo played an essential role in the grain trade, a cornerstone of the Great Lakes economy in the 19th century. Its large carrying capacity and durable construction made it a reliable workhorse in the busy trade routes connecting Midwest agricultural centers to eastern markets.

Final Disposition

The records do not specify the final fate of the Marengo. As with many vessels of its time, it is likely that it was eventually retired, lost, or repurposed. Additional research or discovery may provide more information on its ultimate disposition.

Legacy and Historical Significance

The Marengo is a prime example of the transition and versatility of Great Lakes vessels in the late 19th century. From its reclassification as a Brig and later a Schooner, the vessel reflects the evolving needs of maritime commerce and the adaptability of ship designs to meet those demands.

Resources & Links

•Primary Sources:

•Buffalo Evening Post (April 3, 1873)

•Buffalo Commercial Advertiser (April 2, 1873)

•Vessel Listings:

•Merchant Vessel List 1880/81

•Merchant Vessel List 1884

•Historical Databases:

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes

•NOAA Great Lakes Shipwreck Database

Conclusion

The Marengo represents a key period in Great Lakes maritime history, where innovation in design and adaptability to market needs shaped the vessel’s operational life. Although the details of its later years remain unclear, its contributions to the region’s commerce and its noted versatility ensure its place in the historical record.

Tags

•#GreatLakes

•#Marengo

•#Brig

•#Schooner

•#19thCenturyShipping

•#MaritimeHistory

•#Shipbuilding

•#GrainTrade

•#Milwaukee

•#WolfAndDavidson