Title: The Tragic End of Barge QUEEN CITY: From Majestic Steamer to Tragic Wreck
Introduction:
The barge QUEEN CITY, once a proud steamer, met a tragic fate in the tumultuous waters of Lake Huron. From its glory days as part of “Reed’s Line” of steamers to its final days as a lumber lighter, the QUEEN CITY’s journey was marked by both success and misfortune. This article delves into the history of the vessel, the events leading to its demise, and the heart-wrenching stories of its crew who faced perilous conditions.
The Rise and Fall of QUEEN CITY:
In 1847, the 866-ton side-wheel steamer QUEEN CITY was built by Bidwell & Banta of Buffalo for Charles M. Reed of Erie, Pennsylvania. Considered one of the finest passenger boats on the inland waters, she operated in Reed’s Line, connecting Buffalo and Chicago. Under the command of Captain T.J. Titus, she gracefully cruised at a speed of about twelve miles per hour.
Transition to Barge and Misfortunes:
After her days as a passenger steamer, the QUEEN CITY found new life as a lumber lighter under Captain Robash. Later, she was purchased by J.S. Noyes & Co. of Buffalo, who utilized her to convey lumber over the bar at the mouth of Saginaw River for loading barges like SULTANA and EMPIRE.
Tragedy Strikes:
On the fateful night of August 16, 1863, the QUEEN CITY, now acting as a barge, was in tow of the tug EAGLE off Point au Barques in Lake Huron when disaster struck. Battling a heavy storm, the barge sprung a leak and quickly filled with water. Despite the crew’s perilous condition, the tug’s power was insufficient to carry them, leading the captain to cut the QUEEN CITY adrift, abandoning its seven-man crew to the mercy of the unforgiving waves.
The Inhumane Actions of the Tug:
The crew’s suffering and hardship during their journey to shore were exacerbated by the lack of empathy from the tug’s officers. The EAGLE had the capacity to rescue both crew and valuable materials, yet no effort was made to aid the stranded men. This callous disregard for human life and property left an indelible mark on the memory of the maritime community.
The Loss of a Historic Relic:
The QUEEN CITY’s tragic fate left no trace of “Reed’s Line” of steamers, once a prominent player in the Great Lakes passenger service. Her consort, the KEY STONE STATE, had already met a similar fate, furthering the melancholic end of an era.
Conclusion:
The tale of the QUEEN CITY is a poignant reminder of the triumphs and tribulations that vessels endured on the Great Lakes. From her opulent days as a passenger steamer to her final days as a lumber barge, the QUEEN CITY’s story mirrors the unpredictable and often treacherous nature of maritime life. As we reflect on her tragic end, we remember the courageous crew who braved the storm and the inhumane actions that sealed her doom. May their stories serve as a solemn tribute to the perils and sacrifices of the maritime history of Lake Huron.
