The Alida was a wooden steamer built in 1856 by Kirby & Hoyt in East Saginaw, Michigan. It was described as a passenger and freight towboat, primarily used on the Saginaw River. The vessel had a length of 81 feet, a beam of 15 feet, and a depth of 3 feet. Its gross tonnage was 58 tons, with a net tonnage of 35 tons.
On May 23, 1860, the Alida caught fire and burned at the Hess & Bros. dock in East Saginaw. However, the vessel was subsequently rebuilt and continued its operations.
Over the years, the ownership of the Alida changed. It was initially owned by Little & Copeland of Saginaw, Michigan, and later had different owners, including Samuel Copeland, E.B. Smith, and H. & J. Noiles of Saginaw.
Tragically, on December 20, 1867, the Alida met its final fate. The steamer’s boiler exploded, causing a fire that resulted in the total loss of the vessel. The incident occurred on the Saginaw River in Saginaw City, located in Lake Huron. Several lives were lost in the accident, although the exact number is not specified in the available information.
The Alida was an important vessel that regularly navigated the Saginaw River, extending beyond the mouth of the Flint River. It served as a tug and packet, providing transportation services in the region.
