IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The City of Alpena was a propeller steam tug, a vessel type commonly employed on the Great Lakes during the late 19th century. Steam tugs like the City of Alpena played crucial roles in towing larger ships, assisting in navigation, and performing various support tasks in the busy waters of the Great Lakes. These vessels were typically robust and versatile, designed to withstand the challenging conditions often encountered on the lakes.
HISTORY #
The City of Alpena was built in 1874, with conflicting reports suggesting it was constructed either in New Jerusalem, Ohio, or New Baltimore, Michigan. Measuring 72 feet in length and with a gross tonnage of 76 tons, the tug was a modestly sized but essential workhorse for the bustling maritime activities of Lake Huron.
The vessel was initially owned by D. Crippen of Alpena, Michigan, and began service in October 1875. However, its early career was marred by an incident on October 10, 1876, when the City of Alpena collided with the schooner Mt. Blanc on Lake Erie. Despite this collision, the tug continued its operations, undergoing a change of ownership in 1879 when George W. Colwell of AuSable, Michigan, took over.
Tragedy struck on August 9, 1880, when the City of Alpena caught fire while approximately half a mile offshore near Alcona, Michigan, on Lake Huron. The fire spread rapidly, engulfing the wooden vessel and forcing the crew to abandon ship. They escaped in small boats, and fortunately, no lives were lost in the incident. The tug burned down to the waterline, leaving the vessel as a total loss.
Following the fire, the official documents for the City of Alpena were surrendered at Port Huron on September 30, 1880, with the notation “burned, total loss.” On November 18, 1880, the machinery was removed from the remains of the vessel, marking the end of its operational life. George W. Colwell, the owner at the time, was likely the vessel’s master as well.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The City of Alpena met its end on August 9, 1880, when it caught fire near Alcona, Michigan, and burned to the waterline. The vessel was a total loss, with no recovery possible. The remains of the City of Alpena were left in Lake Huron, with the machinery salvaged later that year.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
The wreck of the City of Alpena was not located as it was burned to the waterline. The site of the incident is near Alcona, Michigan, in Lake Huron.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the wreck of the City of Alpena. Mariners should be aware of the historical presence of shipwrecks and hazards in Lake Huron.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Great Lakes Ships Database: Great Lakes Ships
- Bowling Green State University Archives: Bowling Green State University
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: David Swayze Shipwreck File
CONCLUSION #
The City of Alpena was a small but vital steam tug that served on Lake Huron during the late 19th century. Its short-lived service was marked by significant events, including a collision and its eventual destruction by fire in 1880. The vessel’s demise highlights the dangers faced by mariners on the Great Lakes, where even the most robust vessels could meet sudden and tragic ends. The story of the City of Alpena serves as a reminder of the perils of maritime life and the ever-present risks that accompanied the transportation and trade that fueled the region’s economy.
KEYWORDS #
- City of Alpena steam tug
- Lake Huron shipwreck
- Alcona Michigan
- Great Lakes maritime history
- 19th-century tugboat
- Steam tug fire
GPS COORDINATES & ADDITIONAL INFO #
The City of Alpena caught fire and was lost near Alcona, Michigan, approximately half a mile offshore in Lake Huron. No specific wreck site coordinates are available due to the nature of the loss.
