Pliny F. Barton (P.F. Barton)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Pliny F. Barton (P.F. Barton)
• Type: Wooden Propeller Steam Tug
• Year Built: 1853
• Builder: Buffalo, New York
• Dimensions: Length: 61 ft 2 in (18.6 m); Beam: 14 ft 4 in (4.4 m); Depth of hold: 5 ft 1 in (1.6 m)
• Registered Tonnage: 40 30/95 tons (old measurement system)
• Location: Baby’s Point, St. Clair River, Michigan
• Original Owners: Aaron Goodwin and Wm. Burny; later Cook & Son

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Pliny F. Barton was a small wooden steam tug designed for utility work, including towing and assisting other vessels in harbors and rivers. Its construction reflected the practical needs of mid-19th-century maritime operations on the Great Lakes. Compact and maneuverable, the tug was built with a single-cylinder steam engine that powered a solitary propeller, enabling it to perform essential tasks efficiently.

Description

The Pliny F. Barton was a wooden steam tug built in 1853, primarily used for towing and assisting larger vessels in various maritime operations. It was designed to be compact and efficient, reflecting the needs of the time.

History

Early Years and Service
The Pliny F. Barton, built in Buffalo in 1853, was owned by Aaron Goodwin and Wm. Burny. It served as a functional steam tug, aiding the movement of larger vessels and handling other harbor duties. By 1860, ownership had shifted to Cook & Son of Irving, New York, indicating the vessel’s continued utility in regional maritime operations.

Mishap in 1859
In 1859, the tug faced its first significant challenge when it sank in the Blackwall Canal. Despite the severity of the incident, the vessel was successfully raised, repaired, and returned to service. This mishap demonstrated the tug’s durability and the determination of its operators to keep it operational.

Final Incident – May 31, 1865
Tragically, the Pliny F. Barton met its end in 1865 due to a devastating fire at Baby’s Point in the St. Clair River, Michigan. The fire completely consumed the vessel, resulting in its total loss. While contemporary reports, such as those in the Detroit Free Press, documented the disaster, they provided little detail about the circumstances of the fire, the presence of any casualties, or the cargo onboard.

Significant Incidents

• 1859: Sank in the Blackwall Canal but was raised and repaired.
• 1865: Destroyed by fire at Baby’s Point, resulting in total loss.

Final Disposition

The Pliny F. Barton was declared a total loss after the fire on May 31, 1865. The vessel was completely destroyed, and there were no attempts to salvage or rebuild it. The incident marked the end of the tug’s operational history.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The remains of the Pliny F. Barton are presumed to be nonexistent or minimal due to the total destruction caused by the fire. The site, if any remnants remain, is not accessible for exploration.

Resources & Links

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The Pliny F. Barton served as a vital utility tug during its operational years on the Great Lakes. Despite its practical design and history of resilience, the vessel succumbed to a catastrophic fire in 1865, marking the end of its service. While its loss was significant to the region’s maritime history, the lack of detailed records and surviving remains leaves much about the incident shrouded in mystery. The Pliny F. Barton remains a testament to the challenges of operating wooden steam tugs in the mid-19th century.