Identification & Site Information #
Vessel Type Description #
The James L. Allison was a sidewheel steam dredge, designed to operate as a tug and self-propelled vessel. Sidewheel steam dredges were relatively common in the late 19th century, designed to perform tasks such as dredging harbors, rivers, and channels while also being capable of towing other vessels. The James L. Allison was constructed in Saginaw, Michigan, a region known for its shipbuilding activity, particularly vessels intended for work on the Great Lakes.
History #
The James L. Allison was built in 1890 in Saginaw, Michigan, a hub of shipbuilding during the late 19th century. As a sidewheel steam dredge, the vessel was designed to perform dredging operations while also functioning as a towboat. The vessel measured 60 feet in length, 16 feet in beam, and had a depth of 3 feet. It had a gross tonnage of 54 tons and a net tonnage of 29 tons, making it a relatively small but functional workhorse on the Great Lakes.
The vessel was primarily used in the dredging of harbors and rivers, an essential task for maintaining navigable waterways in the Great Lakes region. The James L. Allison’s ability to perform dual roles as a dredge and tugboat made it a valuable asset for its owners.
Tragically, on October 25, 1892, the James L. Allison was wrecked during a storm. The specific location of the wreck remains unreported in historical records, and the details surrounding the incident are sparse. It is unclear whether the vessel was carrying cargo at the time of its loss or if there were any casualties as a result of the storm. The vessel’s documents were officially surrendered at Port Huron on October 27, 1893, marking the end of its service.
The James L. Allison’s loss is a reminder of the perilous conditions faced by vessels operating on the Great Lakes, where sudden storms could quickly turn routine operations into disasters. The lack of detailed records about the wreck further adds to the mystery surrounding the vessel’s final moments.
Final Disposition #
The James L. Allison was lost on October 25, 1892, due to a storm. The exact location of the wreck is unreported, and there is no detailed information on the circumstances of the loss, including any potential loss of life.
NOTMARs & Advisories #
- Current Status: There are no current Notices to Mariners specifically related to this vessel, as the exact location of the wreck remains unknown.
Located By & Date #
- Discovery: The specific location of the wreck has not been discovered or reported.
Resources & Links #
- Great Lakes Ships: Ship Information
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: Shipwreck Records
Conclusion #
The story of the James L. Allison is a reflection of the risks faced by working vessels on the Great Lakes during the late 19th century. Built in 1890 as a sidewheel steam dredge and tug, the vessel served an essential role in maintaining the navigability of the region’s waterways. However, like many vessels of its time, the James L. Allison was vulnerable to the sudden and severe storms that frequently swept across the Great Lakes.
Despite its relatively short service life, the James L. Allison contributed to the infrastructure and commerce of the Great Lakes. Its loss in 1892 is emblematic of the many vessels that met untimely ends due to the unpredictable nature of the region’s weather. The absence of detailed records regarding the wreck adds an air of mystery to the vessel’s final voyage, leaving many questions unanswered.
The legacy of the James L. Allison serves as a testament to the challenges of maritime life on the Great Lakes and the courage of those who operated these vessels in often perilous conditions.
Keywords: #
- James L. Allison
- Great Lakes Shipwrecks
- Sidewheel Steam Dredge
- 19th Century Tugboats
- Great Lakes Maritime History
The James L. Allison remains a part of the rich tapestry of Great Lakes maritime history, its story one of many that highlight the region’s significance in the broader narrative of North American industry and transportation.
