Identification & Site Information

• Wreck Name: A.F. Bartlett

• Vessel Type: Wooden Propeller Steam Tug (Towboat)

• Year Built: 1871

• Builder: H. Heminger, East Saginaw, Michigan

• Dimensions:

• Length: 48 feet (14.6 meters)

• Beam: 10.6 feet (3.2 meters)

• Depth: 5 feet (1.5 meters)

• Gross Tonnage: 10 tons

• Net Tonnage: 5 tons

• Date of Loss: September 1888

• Location: Duluth, Minnesota, Lake Superior

Vessel Type Description

The A.F. Bartlett was a small wooden propeller steam Tug designed for towing operations. Steam tugs like the A.F. Bartlett were essential for assisting larger vessels, maneuvering them in and out of harbors and narrow waterways. Though modest in size, the Tug was built for versatility and reliability, characteristics that made it a vital asset on the Great Lakes.

History

Early Service

The A.F. Bartlett was constructed in October 1871 by H. Heminger in East Saginaw, Michigan, and was initially owned by Captain R.J. Hackett. In 1876, the Tug changed hands and became the property of John Horn Jr. of Detroit, Michigan. On April 5, 1878, a half-interest in the vessel was sold to John Quinn, a submarine diver, for $175, reflecting its value as a working vessel.

Major Incident

In September 1884, the Tug experienced a catastrophic fire in Bay City, Michigan. Despite the severity of the fire, the vessel was raised and repaired, allowing it to resume service. Following the repairs, it was enrolled in Monroe, Michigan, highlighting its resilience and the owners’ commitment to restoring it to operational status.

Final Demise

The A.F. Bartlett met its final fate in September 1888 while operating in Duluth, Minnesota, on Lake Superior. The vessel caught fire and was declared a Total Loss. Unfortunately, the details surrounding the fire and the presence of any casualties remain unclear in the historical record.

Final Disposition

• Cause of Loss: Fire

• Fate of Vessel: Declared a Total Loss in Duluth, Minnesota, on Lake Superior in 1888

• Registry: Despite its destruction, the vessel remained listed on the ship registry until 1900, likely due to administrative oversight.

Legacy

The A.F. Bartlett serves as an example of the workhorse vessels that supported the busy shipping and commerce industries on the Great Lakes in the late 19th century. Its history, marked by resilience through fire and repair, reflects the hard-working nature of tugboats during this era. While its final demise came amid flames, the vessel’s story underscores the dangers faced by small tugs operating in the challenging environments of the Great Lakes.

Resources & Links

1. Maritime History of the Great Lakes

https://www.maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca

2. David Swayze Shipwreck File

Comprehensive records of Great Lakes shipwrecks, including the A.F. Bartlett.

3. Historical Vessel Registries

Research archives that provide enrollment and ownership history.

4. Marine Museum of the Great Lakes

Offers insights into the role of tugs like the A.F. Bartlett in the development of Great Lakes shipping.

Conclusion

The story of the A.F. Bartlett reflects the essential role of steam tugs in Great Lakes commerce during the 19th century. Though the vessel faced significant challenges, including multiple fires and a final destruction in Duluth, its resilience exemplifies the durability and importance of these small but mighty vessels. Its legacy remains a testament to the vital work done by tugboats in an era of expanding maritime commerce.

Tags

#AFBartlett #SteamTug #LakeSuperior #GreatLakesHistory #MaritimeHistory #Shipwrecks #19thCenturyShipping #Towboat