From Barkentine to Dredge Barge
The CHAMPION, a remarkable vessel with a history spanning several decades, underwent a series of transformations that reflected the ever-changing needs of the maritime industry. Originally built in 1863 as a barkentine, this wooden ship sailed the Great Lakes and experienced various conversions before meeting its untimely end. Let’s delve into the fascinating story of the CHAMPION, from its construction to its final collision and subsequent sinking.
The CHAMPION was constructed in 1863 by Quayle & Martin in the bustling city of Cleveland, Ohio. At that time, it was known as a barkentine—a three-masted sailing vessel with square-rigged sails on the foremast and fore-and-aft sails on the other masts. Its builders, undoubtedly skilled craftsmen, meticulously crafted the ship using wood, a common material for maritime construction during that era.
The vessel was initially owned by Mather & Barclay, based in Chicago, Illinois. With a length of 182.5 feet, a beam of 33.4 feet, and a depth of 13.5 feet, the CHAMPION boasted a gross tonnage of 585 and a net tonnage of 556. These specifications, coupled with its sturdy construction, made it a reliable workhorse for transporting various cargoes across the Great Lakes.
Over the years, the CHAMPION underwent significant transformations and changed hands multiple times. In 1868, the vessel was converted into a schooner-barge, a configuration that allowed it to be towed by steamers rather than relying solely on its sails for propulsion. This conversion likely enhanced its versatility and efficiency, catering to the evolving demands of the maritime trade.
During the period from 1886 to 1903, the CHAMPION was frequently towed by the steamer ST. LOUIS. Engaged in the lumber and coal trades, the vessel played a crucial role in transporting these valuable resources across the Great Lakes region. Its robust structure and towing arrangement ensured the safe and efficient movement of cargo, contributing to the region’s industrial growth.
In June 1899, disaster struck the CHAMPION when it fell victim to a dock fire in Toledo, Ohio. The blaze resulted in extensive damage, rendering the vessel reportedly a total loss of $20,000. However, determined to salvage the vessel, it was subsequently converted into a cargo barge. This transformation allowed the CHAMPION to continue its service, albeit in a different capacity.
Tragically, the CHAMPION’s eventful journey came to an end on July 13, 1903. Off the coast of Algonac, Michigan, in the St. Clair River, the vessel collided with the formidable steel steamer ROBERT W. E. BUNSEN. The impact proved catastrophic, leading to the CHAMPION’s sinking. Fortunately, no lives were lost in the collision, sparing the maritime community from a potential tragedy.
Following its sinking, the CHAMPION lay in the St. Clair River, presenting a significant obstruction to navigation. Consequently, both the vessel and the abandoned steamer STIMSON were deemed hazardous and were abandoned by their owners and underwriters. The subsequent decision was to employ dynamite to demolish the wreckage, removing the potential threat to passing ships.
The CHAMPION, originally built as a barkentine in 1863, experienced a dynamic and transformative journey throughout its existence. From its early
days as a sail-powered vessel to its conversion into a schooner-barge and, ultimately, a cargo barge, the CHAMPION adapted to the changing demands of the maritime industry. Sadly, its final chapter was marked by a collision with the ROBERT W. E. BUNSEN, leading to its sinking and subsequent demolition.
The CHAMPION’s story serves as a testament to the constant evolution of maritime technology and the resilience of vessels that played a vital role in shaping the Great Lakes trade. Although the CHAMPION may have vanished beneath the waters of the St. Clair River, its legacy lives on in the annals of maritime history.
