Shipwreck Report: CITY OF PORT HURON (formerly Duluth, later CITY OF CHEBOYGAN)

Identification & Site Information

  • Original Name: Duluth
  • Other Names: SUPERIOR (sister vessel), CITY OF CHEBOYGAN, CITY OF PORT HURON
  • Type: Wooden Passenger Vessel / Ferry
  • Year Built: 1890
  • Builder: Cleveland Dry Dock Co., Cleveland, Ohio
  • Dimensions: Length: 98 feet (29.9 meters) Beam: 29.9 feet (9.1 meters) Depth: 10 feet (3 meters)
  • Gross Tonnage: Approx. 176 gross tons
  • Original Use: Passenger Ferry for Euclid Beach
  • Final Location: Sarnia, Ontario
  • Condition: Partially submerged and Abandoned as of 1939

Vessel Type Description

The CITY OF PORT HURON, originally named Duluth, was a wooden passenger Ferry characterized by her robust construction and rounded design. She was well-suited for ferrying passengers over short distances and was admired for her reliability and charm. Her primary function was to serve as a Ferry, first between Cleveland and Euclid Beach, and later connecting other ports, including the bustling areas of Mackinac Island and the St. Clair River.

1890-1895: The Early Years (Duluth and SUPERIOR)

Built as the Duluth, this vessel and her twin, SUPERIOR, began their careers transporting passengers between Cleveland and the popular summer resort at Euclid Beach. Their distinctive design earned them the nickname “Euclid Beach Tubs” due to their rounded appearance, making them a memorable part of local maritime culture.

1895-1906: Relocation and New Ownership

After their Cleveland service ended, the Duluth relocated to Lake Superior and subsequently to Escanaba, Michigan, where she operated as a Ferry under the ownership of T.C. Ewing.

1906-1924: Renamed CITY OF CHEBOYGAN

Acquired by R.L. Boynton and the Island Transportation Company, the vessel became the CITY OF CHEBOYGAN and was used to Ferry passengers between Mackinac Island, St. Ignace, and other key locations in Michigan. Her versatility and durability allowed her to serve on multiple routes.

1924-1939: Transformation to CITY OF PORT HURON

Reconstructed and renamed the CITY OF PORT HURON in 1924, the vessel transitioned to service as a Ferry between Sarnia, Ontario, and Port Huron, Michigan. This route was critical in connecting the two cities before the construction of the Blue Water Bridge.

Final Disposition

In 1939, the completion of the Blue Water Bridge rendered the Ferry service between Sarnia and Port Huron obsolete. The CITY OF PORT HURON, unable to compete with the efficiency of the new bridge, was retired from service. She was left partially submerged along the Sarnia waterfront, a poignant end to nearly five decades of maritime service. Her remnants, though largely forgotten, are a testament to a bygone era of Great Lakes passenger transportation.

Significance and Legacy

The CITY OF PORT HURON exemplifies the transition in transportation on the Great Lakes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. From serving summer tourists at Euclid Beach to connecting key ports in Michigan and Ontario, the vessel reflects the dynamic role of ferries in fostering commerce and leisure. Her abandonment in 1939 symbolizes the impact of technological progress, as bridges and other modern infrastructure replaced traditional Ferry routes.

Resources & Links

Conclusion

The CITY OF PORT HURON (formerly Duluth, later CITY OF CHEBOYGAN) is a key piece of Great Lakes maritime history. From her beginnings as a Ferry for summer vacationers to her final days as a relic of changing transportation needs, the vessel’s journey reflects both the vibrancy and the challenges of Great Lakes shipping and ferrying during its era. Though her remnants lie forgotten along the Sarnia shore, her story lives on as a reminder of the pivotal role such vessels played in connecting communities and fostering economic growth.

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