The CITY OF ASHLAND, a sidewheel steamer and logging tug, had a relatively short but eventful existence on Lake Superior. Built in 1883 at the Doherty shipyard in Ashland, Wisconsin, the vessel measured 90 feet in length, 20 feet in width, and 7 feet in depth. It had a gross tonnage of 85 and a net tonnage of 80.
Initially serving as a small passenger and package freighter, the CITY OF ASHLAND was a familiar sight on the waters of Lake Superior. It operated out of its homeport in Marquette, Michigan, taking on various towing and excursion duties. However, its promising career was tragically cut short on August 8, 1887.
While towing a log raft near Washburn, Wisconsin, disaster struck as a fire broke out near the boilers of the CITY OF ASHLAND. The flames quickly engulfed the vessel, cutting off the crew from reaching the lifeboat. Faced with imminent danger, the crew members were forced to jump overboard and were later rescued by local tugs.
Unfortunately, the fire ravaged the CITY OF ASHLAND to the water’s edge, leaving it a charred and devastated hulk. The vessel sank soon after the crew’s escape, marking the end of its service on Lake Superior. Tragically, one or two lives were lost in the incident.
The CITY OF ASHLAND’s fate serves as a reminder of the risks faced by mariners on the Great Lakes, where fires were a constant danger. Despite its relatively short lifespan, the vessel played a role in the transportation and logging industry of the region. Its loss represents another chapter in the maritime history of Lake Superior, a body of water that has witnessed both triumphs and tragedies throughout the years.
