IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

  • Vessel Name: IRA CHAFFEE
  • Type: Wooden Propeller Steam Barge
  • Construction Year: 1867
  • Built At: Allegan, Michigan
  • Builder: Auretias McMillan
  • Dimensions:
    • Length: 127.6 feet (38.9 meters)
    • Beam: 25.6 feet (7.8 meters)
    • Depth: 8.15 feet (2.5 meters)
    • Gross Tonnage: 193.62 tons
    • Net Tonnage: 116.12 tons
  • Propulsion:
  • Engine: 2-cylinder, 24 x 24 inches
  • Screw: Single
  • Final Disposition: Lost to fire on July 11, 1891, at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan

VESSEL DESCRIPTION

The IRA CHAFFEE was a wooden propeller steam Barge, a vessel type essential to the booming maritime trade on the Great Lakes in the 19th century. These ships were versatile, often used for transporting goods such as lumber, coal, and other bulk materials, as well as towing barges. The IRA CHAFFEE was a testament to the shipbuilding practices of its time, reflecting the reliance on wooden construction and steam power.

HISTORY

Construction and Early Ownership

Built in 1867 in Allegan, Michigan, by shipbuilder Auretias McMillan, the IRA CHAFFEE was originally owned by Ira Chaffee and associates, who hailed from the same city. Over the years, the vessel changed hands multiple times, serving various owners and purposes. Some notable owners included William H. Bush, Jason McGregor, Jessie H. Farwell, George E. Wasey, Oscoda Salt & Lumber Co., and John P. Sullivan of Detroit.

The IRA CHAFFEE was instrumental in transporting lumber, an essential resource during the period of rapid industrial growth in the Great Lakes region. It also contributed to critical maritime projects, such as aiding in the construction of Stannard Rock Light on Lake Superior in 1875.

Notable Incidents

Throughout its operational life, the IRA CHAFFEE faced numerous challenges that tested its resilience:

  • December 1876: The vessel was damaged and put ashore below Marquette, Michigan, due to adverse weather conditions. Salvagers successfully recovered the Steamship in May of the following year, demonstrating the determination of its crew and the importance of the vessel to its operators.
  • July 1875: The IRA CHAFFEE played a supporting role in constructing the Stannard Rock Light, underscoring its utility in significant maritime undertakings.

Final Voyage and Loss

The IRA CHAFFEE’s tragic end came on July 11, 1891, after unloading a cargo of coal in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. A fire broke out near the smokestack, and despite efforts to scuttle the vessel to contain the flames, the fire spread uncontrollably, reducing the ship to a Total Loss. The cause of the fire remains unknown, leaving a lingering mystery about the circumstances that led to its destruction.

After the disaster, the charred remains of the IRA CHAFFEE were towed to Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. In 1894, its engine was removed, followed by the boiler in 1902, marking the final actions in the vessel’s dismantling.

SIGNIFICANCE AND LEGACY

The IRA CHAFFEE is a poignant example of the triumphs and challenges faced by steam-powered vessels on the Great Lakes. Its construction and active service reflect the dynamic maritime industry of the 19th century, while its loss highlights the dangers inherent in navigating these inland seas.

The Steamship’s involvement in significant projects like the Stannard Rock Light and its role in transporting essential goods contribute to its historical importance. Meanwhile, its untimely demise underscores the vulnerability of wooden steamships to fire and other hazards.

CONCLUSION

The story of the IRA CHAFFEE is a microcosm of Great Lakes maritime history—a narrative of innovation, resilience, and, ultimately, tragedy. From its construction in 1867 to its destruction by fire in 1891, the vessel played a vital role in the commerce and development of the region. Today, it serves as a symbol of the triumphs and risks that defined life on the Great Lakes during a transformative period in North American history.

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