Other Names #
- CITY OF ROCHESTER
History #
The Construction and Early Years: #
The CITY, originally built in 1853 as a barkentine by Hosea Rogers in Ogdensburg, New York, had a fascinating history. It measured 134.1 feet in length, 25.3 feet in beam, and had a depth of 10.5 feet. With a tonnage of 340 (old style), it featured three masts and was constructed primarily of wood. The vessel was enrolled in the Oswegatchie District and owned in Ogdensburg, New York.
Notable Incidents and Ownership Changes: #
In its early years, the CITY experienced a series of mishaps and changes in ownership. In November 1853, shortly after its construction, the barkantine foundered near Sandusky, Ohio, but was successfully raised. The vessel encountered further challenges in 1854 when it was struck by lightning in Chicago, resulting in damage to all three masts. It also stranded near Blake Island, close to Bois Blanc Island in Lake Michigan, in May 1855.
Ownership of the CITY changed hands several times over the years. From 1860 to 1865, it was owned by E.B. Allen & Son of Ogdensburg and carried the name “CITY OF ROCHESTER.” During this period, the vessel sunk after a collision with the steamer ONTARIO in October 1860 but was subsequently raised, repaired, and re-rigged. In 1865, it was involved in a collision in Toronto, Ontario, which caused damage.
Later, the CITY was owned by R.K. & H.C. Winslow of Cleveland, Ohio, in 1866, and by Turtons of Cleveland in 1871. Rankin & Wilson of Detroit, Michigan, took ownership from 1876 to 1879. Finally, in 1882, the vessel was owned by Brown of Cleveland.
Tragic Loss by Fire #
On November 17, 1882, a devastating fire broke out aboard the CITY while it was at anchor just below Ash Street in Toledo, Ohio. Despite the efforts of the local fire department, the fire quickly engulfed the vessel, leading to its total loss. Remarkably, there was no loss of life associated with the incident. The CITY had recently been purchased and was laid up for a planned rebuild the following winter.
Legacy and Historical Accounts #
The bark CITY played a role in the maritime history of the Great Lakes, sailing the waters of Lake Erie. While it experienced various accidents and changes in ownership, the vessel’s tragic end by fire marked the end of its storied existence. Historical accounts and newspapers of the time documented the vessel’s notable incidents, including its sinking near Sandusky and subsequent raising, as well as its various ownership changes.
Today, the CITY remains an intriguing piece of maritime history, serving as a reminder of the challenges and risks faced by sailors and vessel owners on the Great Lakes. Its fate serves as a cautionary tale of the destructive power of fire and the potential for sudden and catastrophic losses in the maritime industry.
