Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: C.W. Armstrong
• Type: Wooden Propeller Steam Tug
• Year Built: 1856
• Builder: Albany, New York
• Dimensions: Length: 57 ft (17.4 m); Beam: 14 ft (4.3 m); Depth of hold: 7 ft (2.1 m)
• Registered Tonnage: 33 tons
• Location: Saginaw River, Bay City, Lake Huron
• Official Number: 5219
• Original Owners: M.B. Kean, Duncan McGregor, among others

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Vessel Type Description

The C.W. Armstrong was a steam-powered tug, characterized by its compact size and robust wooden hull. Steam tugs like this were essential in the 19th century for towing larger vessels through challenging waterways, including harbors, rivers, and the Great Lakes. The C.W. Armstrong’s small size and steam-driven propeller made it a reliable workhorse for navigating the often turbulent and crowded waters of the Great Lakes.

Description

Identification & Site Information

• Wreck Name: C.W. Armstrong
• Vessel Type: Wooden Propeller Steam Tug
• Year Built: 1856
• Builder: Albany, New York
• Official Number: 5219
• Dimensions:
  • Length: 57 feet (17.4 meters)
  • Beam: 14 feet (4.3 meters)
  • Depth: 7 feet (2.1 meters)
  • Tonnage: 33 tons
• Final Disposition: Sank after a fire on November 21, 1870
• Location: Saginaw River, Bay City, Lake Huron

History

Early Years:

The C.W. Armstrong was built in 1856 in Albany, New York, and began its service shortly thereafter. Despite its modest size, it was integral to towing operations on the Great Lakes, reflecting the growing need for mechanized maritime support during the industrial boom of the mid-19th century.

Notable Incidents:

June 1856: Shortly after its launch, the vessel experienced a boiler explosion near Erie, Pennsylvania, resulting in the loss of a crew member’s life. The incident required significant repairs, but the vessel returned to service.

Ownership: The tug changed hands multiple times, being owned by prominent maritime figures such as M.B. Kean of Detroit and Duncan McGregor of Algonac. Its varied ownership underscores its utility and demand in the region.

Final Voyage:

On November 21, 1870, while docked in Bay City, Michigan, a fire broke out aboard the vessel, originating from the boiler room. Despite efforts to control the blaze, the wooden tug was completely consumed by flames and sank in the Saginaw River. Fortunately, no casualties were reported.

Confusion in Records:

Some historical accounts suggest another fire in January 1879, raising questions about whether the vessel was salvaged and reused after the 1870 fire or if the records reference a similarly named tug. By May 1879, documents for the C.W. Armstrong were officially surrendered in Port Huron, Michigan, marking the definitive end of the vessel.

Significant Incidents

Significant Incidents:

• June 1856: Boiler explosion near Erie, Pennsylvania, resulting in one fatality.
• November 21, 1870: Fire aboard the vessel while docked in Bay City, Michigan, leading to its sinking in the Saginaw River.

Final Disposition

The C.W. Armstrong was deemed a total loss after the 1870 fire. The wreck likely settled in the Saginaw River near Bay City. Over time, its remains may have deteriorated or been cleared due to navigational requirements in the busy waterway.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Current Status: There are no Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) regarding the wreck site of the C.W. Armstrong. The Saginaw River has undergone significant development, likely obscuring or removing any remnants of the vessel.

Discovery: There is no detailed documentation or exploration of the wreck site. The exact location within the Saginaw River remains unconfirmed.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”c-w-armstrong-us-5219″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]

The C.W. Armstrong serves as a testament to the importance of steam tugs in 19th-century maritime commerce and industry. Despite its early tragedy with a boiler explosion and eventual fiery demise in the Saginaw River, the vessel exemplifies the resilience and necessity of such tugs during a transformative period in Great Lakes shipping. While largely forgotten, the story of the C.W. Armstrong contributes to the broader narrative of maritime innovation and the risks inherent in navigating the Great Lakes.