Identification & Site Information – City of New York

• Name: City of New York
• Type: Steambarge (wooden-hulled propeller)
• Built: 1863
• Builder: Stephens & Presley, Cleveland, Ohio
• Dimensions: Length: 134.15 feet (40.9 meters) Beam: 25.7 feet (7.8 meters) Depth: 11.96 feet (3.6 meters)
• Tonnage: 395 tons
• Location of Wreck: South of Main Duck Island, Lake Ontario
• Coordinates: 43.76°N, -76.54°W

Vessel Type Description

The City of New York was a wooden-hulled steambarge powered by a high-pressure engine with an output of 425 horsepower. Equipped with two decks, it was capable of transporting a wide range of cargoes, such as coal, lumber, and bulk goods. Steambarges like the City of New York were popular on the Great Lakes during the 19th and early 20th centuries due to their power, durability, and capacity. Designed for versatility, the vessel was well-suited to the Great Lakes’ commercial shipping demands, where variable weather and rough waters required reliable and robust ships.

History

The City of New York enjoyed a long and eventful career spanning nearly six decades, during which it underwent multiple ownership changes and endured various incidents that required extensive repairs and reconstructions. Built in 1863 by Stephens & Presley in Cleveland, Ohio, the steambarge began its service under the ownership of Northern Transport Co. of Cleveland.

The vessel was subsequently owned by a succession of prominent Great Lakes maritime investors, including Philo Chamberlain, A.E. Shepard, E.L. Thompson, Frank Boden, the Chicago Lumber Co., Thom. Currie, George Wilkinson, George Plunkett, Murray Brown, and the Lake Shore Sand & Gravel Co. Each ownership change reflected the evolving needs of the Great Lakes’ commercial industry, with the vessel’s design and structure adjusted over time to maximize its utility.

Notable incidents in the vessel’s history include:

• November 1876: The City of New York Foundered off Sand Beach, Michigan during a severe storm, sustaining significant damage. Fortunately, it was later recovered and repaired.
• Collision on Lake Superior: The steambarge collided with the Schooner America, resulting in major damage that required further reconstruction.
• Sinking in Chicago: While docking in Chicago, the vessel struck a dock and was subsequently hit by the propeller Cumberland, causing the City of New York to sink. This incident was one of several that illustrated the perils faced by steambarges during an era of crowded ports and unpredictable weather.

Despite these challenges, the City of New York demonstrated resilience. It was Rebuilt and refitted multiple times, adapting to the evolving requirements of Great Lakes shipping. This adaptability, combined with its solid construction, allowed it to remain in service for nearly 60 years.

Final Disposition

The City of New York met its tragic end on November 25, 1921. While transporting a load of 500 tons of coal, the vessel encountered a violent gale off Main Duck Island in Lake Ontario. It is believed that a collision with the Schooner Oliver Mowat may have contributed to the steambarge’s foundering. Sadly, all eight crew members aboard perished in the sinking, marking a somber conclusion to the vessel’s long career.

Located By & Date

In 2019, the wreck of the City of New York was rediscovered by the team from Sonar Guys. The vessel lies south of Main Duck Island at the coordinates 43.76°N, -76.54°W, providing a physical link to its storied past. The discovery has shed light on the vessel’s final resting place and has allowed divers and historians to explore the remnants of this once-bustling steambarge.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) concerning the wreck of the City of New York. Divers and visitors interested in the site should exercise caution to preserve the historical integrity of the wreck.

Resources & Links

For more in-depth information on the City of New York and related Great Lakes shipwrecks:

• David Swayze Shipwreck File: A database of Great Lakes shipwrecks with detailed historical accounts.
• Sonar Guy’s Site: Documentation on the rediscovery of the wreck by the team in 2019.
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Comprehensive historical records on vessels like the City of New York, as well as broader insights into the region’s maritime history.

Legacy and Significance

The City of New York exemplifies the durability and resilience required of Great Lakes vessels in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Its long service, marked by various ownerships and incidents, reflects the demands placed on vessels tasked with transporting essential commodities across the Great Lakes. The tragic end in 1921 underscores the ongoing hazards that mariners faced on these inland seas, where sudden storms and high traffic posed constant threats. Today, the wreck serves as a memorial to its crew and a tangible reminder of the critical role steambarges played in shaping the economy and history of the Great Lakes.