History #
The propeller steam tug known as the Annie Laurie has a history that spans several decades. Built in 1874 by E. Haight in Buffalo, New York, it had an official number of 105476. The Annie Laurie was constructed using wood and had dimensions of approximately 84 feet in length, 15 feet in width, and 4 feet in depth. Its gross tonnage was recorded as 31, with a net tonnage of 22.
On August 19, 1893, tragedy struck the Annie Laurie when it caught fire in the harbor near Erie, Pennsylvania. The vessel was beached to prevent the fire from spreading but ultimately sank one mile off the entrance to the harbor. Fortunately, no lives were lost in the incident. The Annie Laurie was owned by F. W. Bacon & Co., based in Erie.
In terms of its final disposition, the Annie Laurie sank near Erie, Pennsylvania, in Lake Erie. The exact circumstances leading to its sinking are not specified. The vessel played a role in the transportation industry and had been used in Saugatuck, Michigan, in the mid-1870s. Over the years, it underwent repairs and maintenance, including boiler repairs in 1877.
The Annie Laurie’s history highlights the challenges and risks faced by vessels navigating the Great Lakes. Despite its untimely demise, it contributed to the maritime industry and the transportation of goods and passengers during its active years.
