Wolverine Dry Dock & the Ship Wolverine

Overview

The Wolverine Dry Dock in Port Huron, Michigan, was a critical piece of maritime infrastructure constructed in 1875. Its unique origin lies in its construction from the hull of the Wolverine, a former Grand Trunk Railroad car ferry. This transformation from a functioning vessel to a dry dock reflects the adaptability of maritime resources in the Great Lakes region during the late 19th century.

The Wolverine (Ship)

• Vessel Type: Grand Trunk Railroad Car Ferry
• Built: Mid-19th century (exact date not specified in available sources)
• Role: Transported railroad cars across the Great Lakes, likely across the St. Clair River or between other regional ports, facilitating rail and maritime commerce.

Final Use:

After decommissioning from active service as a car ferry, the hull of the Wolverine was repurposed to create the Wolverine Dry Dock in 1875. This was an innovative approach, repurposing a large, sturdy hull to serve as the foundation for a dry dock capable of repairing and constructing other vessels.

Wolverine Dry Dock (1875 – 20th Century)

Location:

• Original Site: At the foot of Rawlins Street, Port Huron, Michigan
• Later Relocated: To the Port Huron Terminal area, south of the Black River, a location with better access for growing maritime activities.

Functionality & Use:

The dry dock was extensively used for ship repairs and shipbuilding in Port Huron, contributing to the city’s prominence as a maritime hub on the Great Lakes.

The facility also played a role in the manufacturing of life-saving boats, crucial for enhancing maritime safety on the often perilous Great Lakes.

 It became a focal point for ship maintenance, including notable repairs like that of the Hattie Wells in 1885.

Significance in Michigan’s Growth:

The Wolverine Dry Dock was pivotal in fueling the growth of Port Huron during the 19th and early 20th centuries.  It supported the burgeoning Great Lakes shipping industry, which was vital to Michigan’s economic development, facilitating trade, industry, and transport. The dry dock served as a key infrastructure point, contributing not just to local industry but also to the broader maritime economy of the Great Lakes region.

Historical Importance

The innovative reuse of the Wolverine‘s hull underscores the resourcefulness of 19th-century shipbuilders and port authorities in the Great Lakes. The dry dock’s presence marked Port Huron as a critical site for ship repair and construction, directly contributing to the city’s maritime heritage.

Related Sites & Resources

• The Historical Marker Database: Contains detailed historical records about the Wolverine Dry Dock and its role in Port Huron’s development.
• Acheson Ventures: Provides information on the history of the Seaway Terminal/Bean Dock, which includes details on Port Huron’s maritime facilities.
• Michigan Blue Magazine: Offers insights into Michigan’s maritime history, including stories related to Port Huron and its shipbuilding heritage.

Conclusion

The Wolverine Dry Dock, constructed from the hull of the former car ferry Wolverine, was a cornerstone of Port Huron’s maritime infrastructure. It reflects the innovative spirit of Great Lakes shipbuilding and underscores the region’s reliance on maritime commerce. The dry dock played an essential role in maintaining the ships that kept Michigan’s economy thriving and helped Port Huron emerge as a key player in Great Lakes shipping history.

Suggested Keywords: Wolverine Dry Dock, Port Huron maritime history, Grand Trunk Railroad car ferry, Great Lakes shipbuilding, Michigan dry docks, Wolverine car ferry.

Categories: Great Lakes Maritime Infrastructure, Port Huron Shipbuilding History, 19th Century Dry Docks.

Glossary Terms: Dry Dock, Car Ferry, Shipbuilding, Maritime Commerce, St. Clair River Shipping.