Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: City of the Straits

• Type: Originally a Barkentine; later converted to a Schooner-Barge

• Built: 1866 by J. M. Jones, Detroit, Michigan

• Dimensions: Length: 134 feet (40.8 meters), Width: 29.4 feet (9 meters), Depth: 11.5 feet (3.5 meters)

• Tonnage: Gross Tonnage of 392 tons, Net Tonnage of 376 tons

• Ownership: Initially J. E. Dilman, later owned by Rice and partners in Buffalo, New York

• Final Disposition: Destroyed by fire at Mercer’s dock, Ontonagon, Michigan, August 26, 1896

Vessel Type Description

The City of the Straits began its service as a Barkentine, a three-masted vessel with square sails on the foremast and Fore-and-Aft Sails on the main and mizzen masts. Its Barkentine rig was well-suited for versatility and speed, popular for Great Lakes cargo carriers at the time. Later, it was converted to a Schooner-Barge, removing its sails to be towed by steamers, a common practice as maritime trade evolved to prioritize efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

History

Early Years and Initial Incidents

Built in 1866 by J. M. Jones in Detroit, Michigan, the City of the Straits was named after Detroit, known as the “City of the Straits” for its location on the narrow waterway between Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair. The vessel quickly became a regular presence on the Great Lakes, hauling cargo and assisting in various maritime operations. In 1872, the vessel struck its Centerboard while navigating the Detroit River, an early incident that foreshadowed its many challenging encounters.

Ownership Changes and Conversion

As the years passed, ownership of the City of the Straits shifted to Rice and partners based in Buffalo, New York. Around this time, the vessel was converted from a Barkentine to a Schooner-Barge to align with the evolving demands of Great Lakes trade, which increasingly relied on towing by steam-powered vessels rather than sailing. This adaptation allowed the City of the Straits to continue its service in the bulk transport of goods across the lakes.

Major Collision and Repairs

In 1882, the City of the Straits collided with the Steamer R.N. Rice near Harrisville on Lake Huron. The accident resulted in significant damage, necessitating extensive repairs. Despite the costs, the vessel’s owners chose to restore the City of the Straits, demonstrating their commitment to preserving its valuable service capabilities.

Final Years and Versatile Roles

Throughout the remainder of the 1880s and early 1890s, the City of the Straits was frequently towed by steamers such as the Alpena and Tempest, reflecting its utility as a flexible vessel that could support both cargo and towing operations. However, as a wooden Schooner-Barge, it was vulnerable to accidents, particularly when docked.

Final Disposition: The Ontonagon Fire of 1896

On August 26, 1896, the City of the Straits met its end in a catastrophic fire that engulfed the city of Ontonagon, Michigan. The vessel was tied to Mercer’s dock when the city-wide blaze reached the waterfront, spreading to the dock and ultimately consuming the City of the Straits. Although the vessel was completely destroyed, no lives were lost in the incident. This fire marked the end of the City of the Straits, a vessel that had become a fixture in the ever-changing Great Lakes maritime trade.

Legacy and Historical Significance

The City of the Straits serves as a reminder of the resilience of 19th-century vessels and the shifting landscape of Great Lakes commerce. From its early years as a Barkentine to its Conversion to a Schooner-Barge, the vessel adapted to new roles while enduring various challenges. Its destruction in the Ontonagon fire was a somber conclusion to a ship that had seen decades of service, reflecting both the hazards of early maritime transport and the critical role such vessels played in regional trade.

Located By & Date

The City of the Straits was destroyed in the city-wide fire at Ontonagon, Michigan, on August 26, 1896. Its remains, having been burned to the waterline, were likely lost to time, with no salvaged remnants reported.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the wreck of the City of the Straits, as the vessel was completely destroyed at the dock in a non-navigational area.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Since the City of the Straits was destroyed in the Ontonagon fire, any remaining artifacts from the vessel would likely be minimal, dispersed, or deteriorated. The site where it was moored at Mercer’s dock is unlikely to contain accessible remnants of the vessel.

Resources & Links

• Primary Sources: Historical records, ship logs, and newspaper archives from the time of the Ontonagon fire

• Further Reading:

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes

• Great Lakes Shipwreck Database

Conclusion

The City of the Straits embodies the challenges and adaptations faced by 19th-century Great Lakes vessels. Built as a Barkentine, it witnessed the rise of steam power, adapting to a new role as a Schooner-Barge to remain relevant in the expanding world of lake trade. The tragic Ontonagon fire brought an end to the vessel’s decades-long service, leaving behind a legacy intertwined with the resilient Maritime History of the Great Lakes.

Tags

#GreatLakes #Shipwrecks #LakeSuperior #MaritimeHistory #CityOfTheStraits #OntonagonFire #SchoonerBarge #HistoricalShipwreck