Identification & Site Information

Vessel Type & Description

Operational History

  • 1868: Enrolled Detroit; operated Bay City–Alpena route
  • 1870–1874: Operated varied routes—Milwaukee area, Duluth, Erie–Port Dover, Chicago–South Haven runs; suffered mechanical and Hull damage along the way
  • 1878: Rebuilt at Ashtabula for excursion service (68 passengers)
  • 1881–1884: Continued passenger service; suffered multiple incidents (grounding, collisions) including collision with Third Street Bridge (Bay City) in 1884
  • 1891: Rebuilt at Bay City; new boiler installed (200 psi) (paddlesteamers.info)
  • 1895–1899: Owned by Peoples Steamboat Co. (Monroe), later by Charles West (Monroe) (libsysdigi.library.illinois.edu)
  • ~1900–1902: Stationary at Toledo dock; documents surrendered June 30, 1902

Final Disposition

  • Burned at the dock on June 13, 1902 in Toledo; fire destroyed the vessel down to the waterline (paddlesteamers.info)
  • No loss of life recorded; casualties unknown—likely none

Located By & Date Found

  • Wreck not submerged; remains burned in place
  • No subsequent dive or wreck surveys

Sources & Archival Links

Conclusion

The Metropolis was a classic 19th-century American sidewheel passenger–freight Steamer whose long service life traversed routes through Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Ohio. Built from a reused engine and reflecting frequent mid-life refits, she ultimately succumbed to a catastrophic dockside conflagration in Toledo, marking the end of her 34-year lifespan.

Keywords & Categories

  • Region: Lake Erie (Toledo, OH)
  • Vessel Type: Sidewheel Steamer
  • Material: Wood
  • Cause of Loss: Dock fire
  • Period: 1868–1902
  • Engine Reuse: From Pearl
  • Service: Passenger & freight, excursion craft