Identification & Site Information #
Vessel Type Description #
The ALIDA was a wooden steamer built in 1856, designed as both a passenger and freight towboat. It was primarily used on the Saginaw River, extending service to the Flint River and surrounding areas. The vessel had a modest size, with a length of 81 feet and a beam of 15 feet, making it well-suited for navigating the relatively shallow and narrow waterways of the region.
As a towboat, the ALIDA was responsible for towing barges and other vessels, in addition to carrying passengers and freight. Its construction was typical of the mid-19th century Great Lakes steamers, featuring a wooden hull and a single deck.
History #
The ALIDA was built by Kirby & Hoyt in East Saginaw, Michigan, in 1856. Its early years were marked by regular service on the Saginaw River, where it played a crucial role in transporting goods and passengers in the burgeoning industrial region. The vessel was initially owned by Little & Copeland of Saginaw, Michigan, and later passed through various ownerships, including Samuel Copeland, E.B. Smith, and H. & J. Noiles, all based in Saginaw.
On May 23, 1860, the ALIDA suffered a significant setback when it caught fire and burned at the Hess & Bros. dock in East Saginaw. Despite this disaster, the vessel was rebuilt and resumed its operations on the Saginaw River, continuing to serve the local economy as a tug and packet.
Tragically, the ALIDA met its final fate on December 20, 1867. While navigating the Saginaw River in Saginaw City, the vessel’s boiler exploded, resulting in a catastrophic fire. The explosion and subsequent fire led to the total loss of the vessel, with several lives lost in the incident. The exact number of casualties is not specified, but the event marked a somber end to the ALIDA‘s service.
The ALIDA was an essential part of the transportation infrastructure in the Saginaw region during its operational years. It facilitated the movement of goods and people in an era when waterways were the primary mode of transport. The vessel’s loss was a significant blow to the local community and serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by those who worked on the Great Lakes.
Final Disposition #
The ALIDA was destroyed on December 20, 1867, due to a boiler explosion that caused a fire on board. The incident occurred on the Saginaw River in Saginaw City, located in the Lake Huron region. The vessel was a total loss, and several lives were tragically lost in the accident.
NOTMARs & Advisories #
- Current Status: The wreck of the ALIDA is not known to be a significant dive site, and there are no current Notices to Mariners specifically related to this vessel.
Located By & Date #
- Discovery: There is no detailed record of the specific discovery of the ALIDA‘s wreck site, and the wreck’s current status is largely unknown.
Resources & Links #
- Great Lakes Ships: Ship Information
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: Shipwreck Records
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Explore Maritime History
Conclusion #
The story of the ALIDA reflects the challenges and dangers of 19th-century steam navigation on the Great Lakes. Built in 1856, this modest wooden steamer played a vital role in the economic life of the Saginaw River region, transporting goods and passengers in an era when waterborne transport was critical to regional development. Despite suffering a significant fire in 1860, the vessel was rebuilt and continued its service until its tragic end in 1867.
The boiler explosion that destroyed the ALIDA serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks of early steam technology, where the combination of high-pressure steam and wooden construction often led to catastrophic failures. The loss of the ALIDA and its crew members is a poignant chapter in the history of Great Lakes shipping, underlining the perilous nature of life on these inland seas.
Keywords: #
- ALIDA
- Great Lakes Shipwrecks
- Saginaw River
- 19th Century Steamboats
- Great Lakes Maritime History
This detailed account of the ALIDA provides a comprehensive overview of the vessel’s history, its role in the Great Lakes shipping industry, and the circumstances surrounding its loss. The ALIDA‘s story adds to the rich maritime history of the region, offering valuable insights into the life and challenges faced by those who navigated these waters in the mid-19th century.
