Identification & Site Information:

• Vessel Name: William Avery

• Type: Tugboat

• Built: 1869 by G.H. Notter in Buffalo, New York

• Location of Loss: Oswego, New York, Lake Ontario

• Date of Loss: July 30, 1898

• Cause of Loss: Fire while docked

Vessel Type Description:

The William Avery was a wooden-hulled Tugboat built for assisting larger vessels in harbors, ports, and narrow waterways. Tugboats like the William Avery were crucial to maritime operations on the Great Lakes, providing maneuverability and power to guide larger ships safely through congested or challenging areas.

History:

• Construction and Launch:

The William Avery was constructed in 1869 by G.H. Notter in Buffalo, New York. It served as a workhorse on Lake Ontario, aiding in the operations of shipping and trade during a period of industrial and economic growth.

• Operational Role:

Primarily, the Tugboat was tasked with assisting larger vessels by towing or guiding them through harbors and difficult waterways. Such vessels were indispensable for navigating the Great Lakes’ busy ports, particularly in areas with limited maneuvering space.

• Destruction:

On July 30, 1898, while docked in Oswego, New York, the William Avery was destroyed by a fire. The cause of the fire is not documented in detail, but it marked the end of the vessel’s nearly 30 years of service.

Final Disposition:

The William Avery was a Total Loss following the fire in Oswego, with no reported salvage or reconstruction efforts.

Current Condition & Accessibility:

As the William Avery was docked at the time of the fire, it is likely that no significant remains are present at the site. The wreckage would have been subject to decay and possible removal in the years following the incident. The site, if identifiable, would hold historical interest for researchers of Great Lakes maritime history.

Resources & Links:

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Comprehensive records on vessels like the William Avery.

• Oswego Historical Society: Potential archives or accounts related to the Tugboat’s operation and loss.

Analysis:

The William Avery highlights the essential role of tugboats in the Great Lakes’ maritime economy during the 19th century. Its nearly three decades of service reflect the durability and importance of these vessels in supporting commerce and navigation. The loss of the William Avery due to fire underscores the vulnerabilities of wooden ships, particularly those operating in industrial environments with a high risk of fire.

Keywords:

William Avery Tugboat, Lake Ontario maritime history, Oswego ship fire, Great Lakes tugboats, 19th-century shipwrecks, Buffalo shipbuilding.

Conclusion:

The William Avery serves as a reminder of the hardworking tugboats that powered the Great Lakes’ maritime industry. Though its end came in a fiery dockside incident, its legacy continues to contribute to the narrative of 19th-century Great Lakes commerce and navigation.