Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: TRAFFIC
- Type: Sidewheel tug & upriver packet, wood
- Year Built: 1853
- Builder: O.V. Kelfferich, St. Clair, MI
- Dimensions: 75 x 16 x 5 ft (22.86 x 4.88 x 1.52 m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: 50 tons
- Location: Saginaw River, at Saginaw, MI
- Official Number: 24506
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The TRAFFIC was classified as a sidewheel tug and upriver packet, primarily designed for towing and passenger transport on rivers.
Description
The TRAFFIC was a wooden vessel measuring 75 feet in length, with a beam of 16 feet and a depth of 5 feet, weighing 50 tons. Her design featured sidewheels, typical of river tugboats of that era, which were used for towing barges and vessels, as well as for passenger travel upriver.
Operating mainly in the Saginaw River region, the TRAFFIC played a vital role in connecting the port of Saginaw with the larger Lake Huron region, facilitating the movement of goods and passengers.
History
Built in 1853 by O.V. Kelfferich in St. Clair, MI, the TRAFFIC served as a tug and packet on the Saginaw River. In her later years, she was instrumental in navigating this key waterway.
Significant Incidents
- On June 8, 1868, the TRAFFIC sank near Sebewaing, Michigan, but was later recovered.
- On October 11, 1869, the TRAFFIC was destroyed by fire while operating on the Saginaw River at Saginaw, Michigan. The circumstances surrounding the fire remain unclear, but it led to her total loss.
Final Disposition
The TRAFFIC was lost to a fire on October 11, 1869, while on the Saginaw River. Although some records mistakenly indicate her loss occurred in Milwaukee, this appears to be an error. Fortunately, there were no significant reports of loss of life during the incident.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The TRAFFIC is confirmed lost, with no remaining structure visible. The site serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by wooden steam-powered vessels in the 19th century.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”traffic-us-24506″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
The TRAFFIC exemplifies the challenges faced by 19th-century wooden steam-powered vessels, particularly in the busy waterways of the Great Lakes region. Her fire-related loss in 1869 marks the end of her story, but her earlier mishap and role as a tug and packet on the Saginaw River remain significant parts of her history.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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