The new steamer named Marengo was launched at Milwaukee on Saturday, as reported in the Buffalo Evening Post on April 3, 1873. The vessel was constructed by Messrs. Wolf & Davidson for Messrs. R.P. & John Fitzgerald and Joseph Paige.
According to the Buffalo Commercial Advertiser on April 2, 1873, the Marengo had the following dimensions: a keel length of 187 feet, a beam breadth of 32 feet, and a hold depth of 13 feet 7 inches. It had a carrying capacity of 40,000 bushels of wheat. The ship was equipped with the latest advancements in pumps and machinery, and its construction cost was estimated to be no less than $50,000.
However, it should be noted that the Buffalo Commercial Advertiser mentioned in a later publication that the Marengo was actually launched as a brig, contrary to the initial report that referred to it as a steamer.
In the Merchant Vessel List for 1880/81, the Marengo is listed as a brig with the official number U.S. 90583 and a tonnage of 645 tons. Its home port was recorded as Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
In the Merchant Vessel List for 1884, the Marengo is listed as a schooner with the same official number and a gross tonnage of 648.25 tons and a net tonnage of 615.84 tons. The vessel was still registered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
