IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

Vessel Name: Bay City

Type: Steam Barge

Year Built: 1867

Builder: George Gardiner, Marine City, Michigan

Dimensions:

•Length: 152 feet (46.3 meters)

•Beam: 27 feet (8.2 meters)

•Depth: 14 feet (4.3 meters)

Tonnage: Gross – 372 tons, Net – 295 tons

Original Owner: A. Rust, George Butlin, and William Kelley, East Saginaw, Michigan

Final Disposition: Destroyed by fire on June 6, 1891, and Abandoned in the Detroit River at Riverside Ironworks dock.

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Bay City was a wood steam Barge, powered by a single high-pressure steam engine built by David Bell in Buffalo, New York. Equipped with a single mast, the vessel was specifically designed for transporting lumber, a critical resource for the booming construction and manufacturing industries of the 19th century. Steam barges like the Bay City were essential to the Great Lakes economy, capable of carrying vast quantities of cargo while navigating the often narrow and treacherous waterways of the region.

HISTORY

Constructed in 1867, the Bay City was built to meet the demands of Michigan’s bustling lumber industry. As a key transport vessel for white pine lumber, the Bay City served the growing towns and industries of the Great Lakes region.

The vessel faced early challenges, catching fire in April 1871 during its maiden voyage after being Rebuilt. Despite being burned nearly to the waterline, the Bay City was salvaged, repaired, and resumed its role in the lumber trade under the ownership of Burt & Co. of Marine City, Michigan.

In 1879, the vessel underwent significant renovations, including a Rebuilt Deck and mast, improving its carrying capacity and overall seaworthiness. The enhancements gave the Bay City a sturdier and more modern appearance, ensuring its continued service in the competitive lumber trade.

FINAL DISPOSITION

On the night of June 6, 1891, while undergoing repairs at Rivard Street in River Rouge, Michigan, the Bay City was consumed by a devastating fire. The flames, initially believed to have been extinguished by firemen, reignited and quickly engulfed the vessel. Despite efforts to save it, the Bay City was reduced to a total wreck, and its cargo of 300,000 feet of white pine lumber was completely destroyed.

Although no lives were lost in the incident, the remains of the Bay City sank at the Riverside Ironworks dock and were Abandoned, marking the end of its 24-year service on the Great Lakes.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the wreck of the Bay City, as its remains are buried and pose no navigational hazard.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The Bay City’s final resting place at the Riverside Ironworks dock in the Detroit River has been documented but has not been extensively explored or marked for historical preservation.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The charred remains of the Bay City are presumed to be buried beneath sediment at the Riverside Ironworks dock. Due to the extensive fire damage and abandonment, the wreck is not accessible for diving or exploration. The site holds historical significance as part of the region’s industrial and maritime history.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Historical Database

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: Archival details on Great Lakes shipwrecks

•Great Lakes Ships Database: Great Lakes Ships

ANALYSIS

The Bay City’s fiery demise underscores the risks faced by vessels in the 19th-century Great Lakes shipping industry. From harsh weather to industrial accidents, ships like the Bay City operated in environments fraught with danger. Despite its untimely end, the Bay City served as a vital cog in the lumber trade, a cornerstone of the Great Lakes economy during its heyday. The vessel’s history highlights both the resilience of maritime communities and the impermanence of even the sturdiest ships.

TAGS

#BayCitySteamBarge

#GreatLakesShipwreck

#DetroitRiverMaritimeHistory

#LumberTrade

#19thCenturyMaritimeHistory

#SteamBargeFire

#GreatLakesEconomy

CONCLUSION

The Bay City remains a poignant chapter in the history of Great Lakes maritime commerce. Its role in the lumber trade, combined with its tragic end, offers a glimpse into the challenges faced by vessels navigating the Great Lakes during the height of industrialization. Though its remains lie buried, the legacy of the Bay City endures through the stories of resilience and tragedy that shaped the Great Lakes’ maritime history.