Identification & Construction
- Name: Mary Ann (also referenced as Mary Ann of Dunnville)
- Built: 1867, Stromness (near Dunnville), Ontario
- Type: Wooden-hulled Tugboat
- Dimensions: ~78 ft length; ~15 ft beam; approx. 57 tons
- Significance: Registered in 1867 as one of the first vessels under Canada’s 1867 Confederation registry (Duluth News Tribune, TBNewsWatch.com)
Operational History
- After construction, Mary Ann operated around Lake Erie, likely assisting ships in docking and towing. Later transferred to Lake Superior and based near Port Arthur (now Thunder Bay), where she served under various roles, including recreational excursions and logging support (Duluth News Tribune).
Fate & Wreck
- The Tug was intentionally scuttled (sunk) near the Welcome Islands close to Thunder Bay, Lake Superior.
- Local divers rediscovered her Hull in remarkably well-preserved condition at around 55–70 ft depth in Lake Superior (TBNewsWatch.com).
Wreck Site & Condition
- Location: Off the Welcome Islands, Thunder Bay–Lake Superior
- Depth: 55–70 ft
- Remains: Wooden Hull, cabin fixtures, structural fittings, and other period artifacts are intact—remarkably preserved in clear, zebra‑mussel‑free freshwater (TBNewsWatch.com).
- Archaeological Value: As one of the earliest registered Canadian vessels, Mary Ann offers vital insight into early Tug design, vessel transition post-Confederation, and freshwater wreck preservation.
Sources & References
- TBNewsWatch report (2013) recounting the 2012 rediscovery by divers Robert Valley and David Shepherd, confirming historical identity and preservation (TBNewsWatch.com).
- Duluth News Tribune details on the vessel’s history, location, and significance as Canada’s first federally registered ship (Duluth News Tribune).
Research Opportunities & Action Plan
| Research Aspect | Next Steps |
|---|---|
| Archival Documentation | Locate 1867 registry entries and official registration papers in Canadian national archives. |
| Ownership & Operation Records | Trace vessel use between Lake Erie and Superior, including owners like Lachlan McCallum and usage logs. |
| Site Survey & Preservation | Use photogrammetry, videogrammetry, and condition mapping to document Hull and artifacts. |
| Heritage Conservation | Coordinate with Ontario Heritage or Thunder Bay regional authorities to protect site under the Ontario Heritage Act. |
| Public Engagement | Develop interpretive materials for divers and historians, highlighting Mary Ann’s national significance. |
Significance & Conclusion
Tug Mary Ann embodies a unique blend of maritime and national history: built just at Confederation, representing early Canadian industrial craftsmanship, and later contributors to both economic and recreational maritime activity. Its exceptional preservation offers rare insight into 19th-century Tug architecture and freshwater archaeological contexts. A formal study could advance understanding of Canadian maritime heritage and support heritage tourism potential around Thunder Bay.