HAMILTON J. MILLS U42662 (1881, Schooner Barge)

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Hamilton J. Mills was constructed in 1881 by R. Mills & Co. in Buffalo, New York. Designed as a schooner barge, the vessel featured three masts with wire rigging, making it a durable and substantial vessel for transporting bulk cargo. The barge was known for its fine model and staunch construction, which contributed to its seaworthiness and utility in the shipping industry on the Great Lakes during the late 19th century.

HISTORY

Hamilton J. Mills was a remarkable schooner barge that made its debut in the shipping industry of the Great Lakes during the late 19th century. Originally constructed for R. Mills, Ham Mills, John Humble, and Thomas Welsh, the vessel represented a significant investment in maritime commerce, designed to meet the growing demands of trade and transport in the region. The barge’s keel measured an impressive 160 feet in length, complemented by a beam of 32 feet and a depth of 12 feet, giving it a robust and sturdy build. With a gross tonnage of 508.88 tons and a net tonnage of 483.44 tons, the Hamilton J. Mills was a formidable presence on the waters of the Great Lakes, as recorded in the Merchant Vessel List of 1885.

The Hamilton J. Mills was launched on October 26, 1881, from the R. Mills & Co. shipyards in Buffalo, New York. The vessel was a testament to the high standards of shipbuilding at the time, with its design tailored to the specific needs of the Great Lakes shipping industry. The barge was equipped with the capacity to carry approximately 35,000 bushels of grain, making it a valuable asset in the transportation of one of the region’s most crucial commodities. Additionally, the vessel could haul up to 700,000 feet of lumber, further enhancing its versatility and usefulness as a carrier of essential materials. These capabilities positioned the Hamilton J. Mills as a critical component of the economic infrastructure that supported the burgeoning industries along the Great Lakes.

Described as a “good and substantial craft,” the Hamilton J. Mills earned an A 1 rating, a classification that indicated the vessel’s high quality and reliability. This rating was significant, as it assured potential buyers and operators of the vessel’s durability and seaworthiness. The barge was subsequently sold to L.B. Fortier for $23,000, a considerable sum at the time, reflecting the vessel’s value and the confidence in its construction and performance. Under the ownership of Fortier, the Hamilton J. Mills was registered in Buffalo, New York, and became an integral part of the city’s maritime activities.

In May or June of 1882, the Hamilton J. Mills arrived in port alongside the new steambarge A.J. Wright and another barge named W.A. Sherman, further cementing its role in the bustling shipping industry on the Great Lakes. The vessel was a key player in the transport of grain and lumber, two commodities that were vital to the economic development of the region. The schooner barge’s ability to efficiently move large quantities of these materials made it an indispensable tool in the hands of its operators, contributing to the steady flow of goods that fueled the growth of cities and industries along the lakeshore.

The Hamilton J. Mills continued to serve the Great Lakes shipping lanes, a testament to the durability and foresight of its design and construction. As a versatile carrier, it played a crucial role in the transportation network that was the lifeblood of the region’s economy. The vessel’s legacy is reflective of the broader narrative of maritime commerce on the Great Lakes during the late 19th century, a period marked by rapid industrialization and the expansion of trade routes that connected the heartland of North America to the rest of the world.

FINAL DISPOSITION

Specific details regarding the final disposition of the Hamilton J. Mills are not available. Despite its solid construction and fine design, records do not indicate the circumstances of the vessel’s end, whether it was lost, scrapped, or otherwise decommissioned.

LOCATED BY & DATE

Located by: Not specified; the final location of the vessel remains unknown.
Date of Discovery: Not applicable.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the Hamilton J. Mills wreck site. The exact location of the vessel is not documented, and it is not marked on navigational charts.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The current condition and location of the Hamilton J. Mills remain unknown. Without specific records of the vessel’s final disposition, it is not accessible to divers or researchers.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Provides detailed historical context and data on the Hamilton J. Mills and other Great Lakes vessels.

• David Swayze Shipwreck File: A comprehensive resource for researching shipwrecks in the Great Lakes, including the Hamilton J. Mills.

• Great Lakes Maritime Database: Offers extensive information on historical vessels that operated on the Great Lakes, including the Hamilton J. Mills.

• Merchant Vessel List (1885): Historical records that document the specifications and ownership details of vessels like the Hamilton J. Mills.

CONCLUSION

The Hamilton J. Mills was a well-constructed and highly regarded schooner barge, designed for the rigorous demands of Great Lakes shipping during the late 19th century. Although specific details about the vessel’s final disposition are not available, its legacy as a versatile carrier of grain and lumber highlights its importance in the maritime history of the Great Lakes. The Hamilton J. Mills serves as an example of the robust and efficient vessels that played a critical role in the economic development of the region.