Site Description
- Steamer
- 40ffw 13m
- 265ft Length
- Point Pelee
- N 41 49.373 W 82 32.170
- 41 49.335 82 32.165
The SPECULAR, a schooner-barge, was built in 1882 in Cleveland, Ohio. It was constructed by Presley & Company, under the supervision of master carpenter George Presley. The original owner of the vessel was the Republic Iron Company, based in Marquette, Michigan.
The SPECULAR had a length of 263 feet, a beam of 38.4 feet, and a depth of 20 feet. It had a gross tonnage of 1687.13 tons and a net tonnage of 1602.78 tons. The hull of the vessel was made of wood.
In February 1888, the SPECULAR underwent a significant transformation at Presley & Company in Cleveland. It was rebuilt as a bulk freighter with new dimensions of 263 feet in length, 34.75 feet in beam, and 22 feet in depth. The vessel now had a gross tonnage of 1741 tons and a net tonnage of 1439 tons. The reconstruction included the addition of a single deck with hold-beams, steel arches, and a steel boiler-house. The bow was reinforced to withstand working in icy conditions. The SPECULAR was equipped with a powerful fore-and-aft compound engine, manufactured by Globe Iron Works in Cleveland in 1888. This engine generated 750 horsepower and operated at 75 revolutions per minute. It was accompanied by two scotch boilers, also produced by Globe Iron Works in Cleveland, which provided steam at a pressure of 115 pounds. The vessel had a capacity of 2100 tons, making it suitable for bulk freight transportation.
Throughout its history, the SPECULAR served in various capacities. In 1886 and 1887, it was towed by the vessel COLONIAL. It also towed the barge FONTANA in September 1889. However, on October 2, 1889, the SPECULAR grounded off Round Island in Waiska Bay, Michigan, within Lake Superior. It was later released with the assistance of the tug A.J. SMITH.
On June 29, 1891, a collision occurred between the SPECULAR and the steamer MARTINI near Bois Blanc light, off Bar Point in the Detroit River. The SPECULAR continued its service as a towing vessel, towing the barge MAGNETIC in the ore trade from Marquette, Michigan, during the years 1892, 1893, 1894, 1898, and 1899. In 1899, it also towed the vessel G.R. HOLLAND.
Tragically, on August 22, 1900, the SPECULAR met its demise when it was struck and sunk by the steamer DENVER in Pelee Passage, located within Lake Erie. The collision resulted in the vessel sinking with its final cargo of iron ore.
