Also known as: I.T. PHEATT

Identification & Site Information

  • Name(s): Romeo, later possibly I.T. Pheatt
  • Official Number: 56314
  • Year Built: 1845
  • Builder: Lawson, Howard & Co., Detroit, MI
  • Master Carpenter: D.M. Goodsell
  • Vessel Type: Steamer (sidewheel), later converted to Barge/Lighter
  • Hull Material: Wood
  • Number of Decks: 1
  • Original Owner: Charles Bissell & B.B. Kercheval, Detroit
  • Final Date Lost: 10 September 1869
  • Final Location: Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron
  • Final Cargo: Lumber

Vessel Type

Originally a wooden-hulled sidewheel passenger and freight Steamer operating in Michigan inland and nearshore routes, Romeo was later converted into a Barge/Lighter during its final years of service.

Description

Built as a 100-foot (30.5 m) long Steamer with a beam of 22 feet (6.7 m) and depth of 8 feet (2.4 m), Romeo was originally measured at 160 68/95 tons (old style). Her design reflected mid-19th-century coastal passenger steamers, with a shallow Draft suitable for operation in rivers and shallow bays. She had a “pink Stern” noted later in her career.

History

  • 1845–1850s: Romeo operated widely on routes between Detroit, Mt. Clemens, Toledo, and Port Huron. She also ran between Buffalo and Chippewa. Experienced several collisions and mechanical failures in her early career.
  • 1850s: Ownership changed hands frequently, reflecting her declining commercial value. Operated occasionally as a Towboat in the St. Clair Flats and Detroit River.
  • 1858: Sank at Bear Creek on the St. Clair River but was raised and returned to service.
  • 1859–1865: Possibly renamed I.T. PHEATT during her tenure in the Maumee River Ferry trade. Ownership likely held by Isaac T. Pheatt.
  • 1866–1867: Machinery was removed or sold; underwent significant Hull overhauls. Converted to a non-powered Barge or Lighter, officially registered as US56314.
  • 1868–1869: Operated out of East Saginaw and Bay City, MI, under new ownership. Continued in lumber transport.

Final Disposition

On 10 September 1869, while under tow and loaded with lumber in Saginaw Bay, Romeo broke loose in rough conditions. The crew Abandoned the vessel, which Foundered shortly afterward. No loss of life was reported. Her documents were surrendered on 17 December 1878, indicating she was never recovered or Rebuilt.

Located By & Date Found

There is no record of a modern dive or survey recovery of the Romeo. Wreck site is unconfirmed and presumed scattered or buried under sediment in Saginaw Bay.

NOTMARs & Advisories

None noted.

Resources & Links

Conclusion

The Romeo exemplifies the evolutionary lifecycle of early Great Lakes steamers: from passenger Ferry to Barge, ultimately lost in routine tow operations. Her long service life and frequent ownership changes reflect the economic shifts in 19th-century shipping on the inland seas. While her physical remains are lost to Saginaw Bay, her registry history preserves a rare view into early regional maritime commerce.

Keywords, Categories, Glossary Terms

  • Tags: Sidewheel Steamer, Barge Conversion, lumber transport, Saginaw Bay, mid-19th-century ship, Foundered, Great Lakes maritime history
  • Glossary:
    • Sidewheel: Propulsion by paddle wheels mounted on each side of the vessel.
    • Pink Stern: A Hull form with a pointed rear instead of a transom, common in older sailing vessels.
    • Foundered: A ship that has filled with water and sunk due to weather, damage, or other causes.