Bay City – Other Barge Shipwreck (1891)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Bay City
• Type: Steam Barge
• Year Built: 1867
• Builder: George Gardiner, Marine City, Michigan
• Dimensions: Length: 152 ft (46.3 m); Beam: 27 ft (8.2 m); Depth of hold: 14 ft (4.3 m)
• Registered Tonnage: Gross – 372 tons, Net – 295 tons
• Depth at Wreck Site: 4.3 m / 14 ft
• Location: Riverside Ironworks dock, Detroit River
• Original Owners: A. Rust, George Butlin, and William Kelley, East Saginaw, Michigan
• Number of Masts: 1

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Bay City was a wood steam barge, powered by a single high-pressure steam engine built by David Bell in Buffalo, New York. Equipped with a single mast, the vessel was specifically designed for transporting lumber, a critical resource for the booming construction and manufacturing industries of the 19th century. Steam barges like the Bay City were essential to the Great Lakes economy, capable of carrying vast quantities of cargo while navigating the often narrow and treacherous waterways of the region.

Description

Constructed in 1867, the Bay City was built to meet the demands of Michigan’s bustling lumber industry. As a key transport vessel for white pine lumber, the Bay City served the growing towns and industries of the Great Lakes region.

The vessel faced early challenges, catching fire in April 1871 during its maiden voyage after being rebuilt. Despite being burned nearly to the waterline, the Bay City was salvaged, repaired, and resumed its role in the lumber trade under the ownership of Burt & Co. of Marine City, Michigan.

In 1879, the vessel underwent significant renovations, including a rebuilt deck and mast, improving its carrying capacity and overall seaworthiness. The enhancements gave the Bay City a sturdier and more modern appearance, ensuring its continued service in the competitive lumber trade.

History

On the night of June 6, 1891, while undergoing repairs at Rivard Street in River Rouge, Michigan, the Bay City was consumed by a devastating fire. The flames, initially believed to have been extinguished by firemen, reignited and quickly engulfed the vessel. Despite efforts to save it, the Bay City was reduced to a total wreck, and its cargo of 300,000 feet of white pine lumber was completely destroyed.

Although no lives were lost in the incident, the remains of the Bay City sank at the Riverside Ironworks dock and were abandoned, marking the end of its 24-year service on the Great Lakes.

Significant Incidents

• April 1871: Caught fire during its maiden voyage after being rebuilt, salvaged and repaired.
• June 6, 1891: Destroyed by fire while undergoing repairs, leading to its abandonment.

Final Disposition

On the night of June 6, 1891, while undergoing repairs at Rivard Street in River Rouge, Michigan, the Bay City was consumed by a devastating fire. The flames, initially believed to have been extinguished by firemen, reignited and quickly engulfed the vessel. Despite efforts to save it, the Bay City was reduced to a total wreck, and its cargo of 300,000 feet of white pine lumber was completely destroyed.

Although no lives were lost in the incident, the remains of the Bay City sank at the Riverside Ironworks dock and were abandoned, marking the end of its 24-year service on the Great Lakes.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The charred remains of the Bay City are presumed to be buried beneath sediment at the Riverside Ironworks dock. Due to the extensive fire damage and abandonment, the wreck is not accessible for diving or exploration. The site holds historical significance as part of the region’s industrial and maritime history.

Resources & Links

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The Bay City remains a poignant chapter in the history of Great Lakes maritime commerce. Its role in the lumber trade, combined with its tragic end, offers a glimpse into the challenges faced by vessels navigating the Great Lakes during the height of industrialization. Though its remains lie buried, the legacy of the Bay City endures through the stories of resilience and tragedy that shaped the Great Lakes’ maritime history.