Other Names
- FOREST CITY -1852
The Tragic Saga of the Bay City: From Forest City to Ill-Fated Tugboat
The Bay City, originally known as the Forest City, has a complex history that weaves together tales of resilience, tragedy, and salvage attempts. This wooden propeller tugboat was built in 1852 as a sidewheeler and underwent various transformations throughout its existence. Its story takes a somber turn in 1862 when it met its demise during a violent storm near Port Burwell, Ontario, on Lake Erie. Join us as we delve into the details of the Bay City’s journey, from its origins as the Forest City to its final resting place at the bottom of Lake Erie.
Constructed in 1852 by Patrick Bates in Trenton, Michigan, the Forest City initially operated as a sidewheeler. It measured 199 feet in length, 26 feet 10 inches in beam, and had a depth of 9 feet 3.5 inches. The vessel, weighing 480 tons, was powered by a low-pressure engine, featuring a 44″ x 10′ engine and 28′ wheels. It was owned by Ira Davis, Eber B. Ward, and Samuel Ward, operating under the name Davis, Ward & Co.
The Forest City experienced several mishaps during its early years. In June 1852, tragedy struck when the sidewheeler suffered collapsed flues while navigating Lake Erie, resulting in the loss of three lives. The vessel had to be towed by the steamer Alabama for repairs. In April 1853, the Forest City ran aground near Huron, Ohio, and was subsequently assisted by the steamer Southerner to be refloated.
In March 1853, the Forest City underwent significant changes. John Owen, Eber B. Ward, and Samuel Ward, all from Detroit, became the new owners. The vessel underwent extensive renovations and was renamed the Bay City. It continued to operate on the Detroit-Cleveland route, ferrying passengers and cargo.
The Bay City’s fate took a turn for the worse on April 5, 1858, when it fell victim to a devastating fire at Port Stanley, Ontario. The blaze, suspected to be the result of arson, consumed the vessel. However, Arthur Edwards of Trenton, Michigan, took ownership of the charred remains on April 12, 1858, and made plans for a remarkable transformation.
Under Arthur Edwards’ ownership, the Bay City was rebuilt as a large tugboat. The cabins were removed, and the vessel was converted into a formidable towboat. This marked a significant shift in its purpose and set the stage for the Bay City’s ill-fated final chapter.
On May 20, 1862, tragedy befell the Bay City during a fierce storm on Lake Erie. The tugboat sprang a leak and sank near Port Burwell, Ontario. However, the vessel washed ashore in shallow water, remaining intact. The crew members were fortunate enough to be rescued by the new tugboat named Winslow, averting any loss of life.
Following the sinking, four salvage attempts were made between June and July 1862 to retrieve the Bay City’s engine and boiler. These efforts were likely motivated by the intention to repurpose the vessel as a schooner. However, on July 21, 1862, the decision was made to abandon the hull. Despite plans for a potential conversion, the Bay City would never sail again.
