The steam screw GENESEE CHIEF, initially registered under U.S. No. 10243, was built in 1846 in Carthage, New York, with a tonnage of 429 tons. It first operated from Rochester, New York, and later changed its rig to become a barge on September 5, 1868.
During its service, the GENESEE CHIEF experienced several incidents. In May 1847, it collided with the Schooner CUBA on Lake Ontario below Niagara, causing the sinking of the wheat-laden schooner, with no loss of lives. On April 14, 1868, the vessel caught fire and burned at Clark’s dry dock in Detroit, resulting in a loss of $15,000.
Despite these incidents, the GENESEE CHIEF continued to be utilized. In 1878, after being damaged in a storm on Lake Huron, it was patched up and used to carry lumber.
Over the years, the GENESEE CHIEF underwent several changes and repairs but remained in service under different configurations, including as a steam screw and later as a barge. Its home port was Detroit, Michigan, and it was known for its successful career and financial gains for its owners.
