Shipwreck Report: T. F. Parks

Identification & Site Information

  • Name: T. F. Parks
  • Former Name: Ploughboy (renamed in 1864)
  • Official Number: None recorded
  • Date Built: 1851
  • Builder: J. McDermott, Chatham, Ontario
  • Construction: Wooden sidewheel Steamer
  • Length: 170 ft (51.8 m)
  • Beam: 28 ft (8.5 m)
  • Tonnage: 450 tons
  • Date Lost: June 3, 1870
  • Location: Detroit River, at dock near the Detroit and Milwaukee grain elevator
  • Cause of Loss: Fire
  • Cargo: None (undergoing maintenance)
  • Casualties: Unknown
  • Registry Port: Not specified

Vessel Type

The T. F. Parks was a wooden sidewheel Steamer utilized for passenger and package freight Ferry services. Sidewheel steamers were prevalent on the Great Lakes during the mid-19th century, offering reliable transportation for both people and goods across various ports.

Description

Originally constructed as the Ploughboy in 1851, the vessel was renamed T. F. Parks in 1864. Measuring 170 feet in length with a beam of 28 feet, she had a tonnage of 450 tons. Designed for passenger and freight services, she operated primarily in the Great Lakes region.

History

On June 3, 1870, while docked near the Detroit and Milwaukee grain elevator in Detroit, Michigan, the T. F. Parks caught fire. At the time, she was undergoing preparations to commence a passenger service between Port Stanley, Ontario, and Cleveland, Ohio. The fire consumed the vessel down to the waterline, resulting in a Total Loss. The exact cause of the fire and the number of casualties, if any, remain unknown. The charred Hull was later removed after being struck by several other vessels.

Final Disposition

The T. F. Parks was declared a Total Loss following the fire. The remnants of the vessel were subsequently removed from the river to prevent navigational hazards.

Located By & Date Found

There is no record of the T. F. Parks wreck being located or identified in modern times.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no current Notices to Mariners or advisories regarding the T. F. Parks wreck site.

Resources & Links

Conclusion

The destruction of the T. F. Parks underscores the vulnerabilities of wooden steamers to fire hazards during the 19th century. Her loss, while docked and undergoing maintenance, highlights the importance of stringent safety measures during vessel preparations.

Suggested Keywords and Categories:

  • Keywords: T. F. Parks, Detroit shipwreck, 1870 Steamer fire, sidewheel Steamer, Great Lakes maritime history
  • Categories: Maritime History, Great Lakes Shipwrecks, 19th Century Navigation

Glossary Terms:

  • Sidewheel Steamer: A steam-powered vessel propelled by paddle wheels mounted on the sides.
  • Total Loss: A term indicating that a vessel is completely destroyed or beyond repair.
  • Grain Elevator: A facility for storing and handling grain, often located near ports for easy loading onto ships.