Identification & Site Information

  • Vessel Name: TECUMSEH
  • Official Number: C80774
  • Type at Loss: Propeller, Wood, Bulk Freight
  • Builder: Hyslop & Ronold
  • Build Location: Chatham, Ontario
  • Year Built: 1873
  • Specifications:
  • Final Disposition:
  • Date Lost: January 16, 1909
  • Cause: Fire due to mismanagement of a kitchen stove
  • Place of Loss: In the harbour at Goderich, Ontario (Lake Huron)
  • Cargo: None at time of loss
  • Loss of Life: None

Vessel Type

The TECUMSEH was a wooden propeller-driven bulk freighter, typical of Great Lakes cargo vessels during the late 19th century. Designed primarily for transporting bulk commodities such as grain, coal, and iron ore, she was part of the evolution of large wooden freighters that bridged the gap between traditional sailing vessels and the steel freighters that would dominate the lakes in the 20th century.

Description

Constructed in 1873 by Hyslop & Ronold in Chatham, Ontario, TECUMSEH was a robust vessel built to endure the challenging conditions of the Great Lakes. Her wooden Hull, though durable, required regular maintenance and repairs, especially as she aged and faced harsh environmental conditions.

Her design reflected the transitional period of Great Lakes shipping, where wooden hulls were still common but being gradually replaced by iron and steel construction. She featured a single propeller powered by steam, which allowed for more reliable transportation compared to traditional sail-powered vessels.

History

Throughout her operational life, TECUMSEH served as a bulk freighter on Lake Huron and other Great Lakes, transporting various cargoes vital to the industrial growth of the region. She was owned by B. McArthur of Toronto at the time of her loss and was reportedly under the command of Captain Wylie.

Her career included several notable incidents:

  •  In November 1884, she ran ashore with heavy damage on Manitoulin Island, a common hazard given the island’s treacherous shoals and unpredictable weather.
  • In 1898, she sank in Marquette Harbor (Lake Superior) but was successfully salvaged, as evidenced by historical images from the Great Lakes Maritime Database (GLMD).
  • Underwent major repairs in 1874, likely to address wear from the rigours of heavy freight service.

Despite these setbacks, TECUMSEH remained in service for over three decades, a testament to the resilience of her construction and the importance of such vessels to the Great Lakes economy.

Final Disposition

On January 16, 1909, while laid up for the winter in the harbor at Goderich, Ontario, TECUMSEH caught fire around 3 a.m. The blaze was reportedly caused by the mismanagement of a kitchen stove by workers living aboard while performing off-season repairs. Despite efforts to control the fire, the wooden vessel was quickly engulfed and burned to a Total Loss.

Fortunately, there were no casualties reported. The fire served as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities of wooden ships, especially during lay-up periods when onboard heating sources posed significant risks.

Resources & Links

Conclusion

The TECUMSEH’s story reflects both the resilience and the vulnerabilities of wooden freighters operating on the Great Lakes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Having survived groundings, sinkings, and extensive repairs, she ultimately succumbed not to the forces of nature but to a simple onboard accident. Her service life, marked by both endurance and misfortune, highlights the challenges faced by the maritime industry during this transformative era in Great Lakes history.