Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: William Dickinson
- Type: Tugboat
- Year Built: 1893
- Builder: E.W. Heath, Benton Harbor, Michigan
- Dimensions: Length 78.2 ft (23.8 m); Beam 19.5 ft (5.9 m); Depth of hold 10.9 ft (3.3 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 78.98
- Location: Near Tag-a-Long Trailer Park, south of the Marine City DNR boat launch, St. Clair River, Michigan
- Original Owners: Barry Bros. Towing Co.
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The William Dickinson was a wooden-hulled tugboat built for towing and rescue operations on the Great Lakes. It featured a screw propulsion system powered by a high-pressure engine, providing reliability and versatility in the demanding conditions of Great Lakes navigation. The vessel’s robust design and powerful engine made it a vital tool for assisting larger ships and performing specialized tasks such as searches and rescues.
Description
Built in 1893 by E.W. Heath at Benton Harbor, Michigan, the William Dickinson was originally owned by Barry Bros. Towing Co. of Chicago, Illinois. Its propulsion system included a 375-horsepower engine built by R. Tarrant Iron Works, driven by a 9′ x 14′ firebox boiler manufactured by Johnston Bros.
History
Service:
- February 1895: Participated in the search for the ill-fated steamship CHICORA on Lake Michigan.
- August 1904: Played a heroic role in Chicago when a car fell off the Rush Street drawbridge into the Chicago River. The William Dickinson rescued most of the car’s occupants, showcasing its capability in emergency situations.
Significant Incidents
Final Incident:
On September 16, 1923, the William Dickinson burned while docked at the Salt Dock in Marine City, Michigan. The fire occurred at the McLouth Shipyard, rendering the tugboat a total loss. Its documents were surrendered on September 29, 1923, marking the official end of its operational history.
Final Disposition
The wreckage of the William Dickinson rests in the St. Clair River, near the Tag-a-Long Trailer Park, south of the Marine City DNR boat launch. Various machinery, including the large boiler, remains at the site, providing a tangible connection to the vessel’s history.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Site Description: The wreck includes significant remnants, such as the tugboat’s boiler, lying on its side. The site is shallow and accessible, making it a potential point of interest for divers and maritime historians.
Accessibility: Located near the shoreline, the wreckage is relatively easy to reach for those interested in exploring its remains.
Resources & Links
References are being reviewed for this wreck.
The William Dickinson remains a poignant example of the workhorse tugboats that shaped the Great Lakes maritime landscape. From its heroic rescue efforts to its fiery demise, the vessel’s story reflects both the resilience and fragility of wooden ships. Its wreck site near Marine City offers a glimpse into the industrial past and invites exploration for those fascinated by maritime history.