IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

  • Vessel Name: Originally ANNIE L. CRAIG, later renamed CITY OF WINNIPEG
  • Type: Propeller Steamer
  • Year Built: 1870
  • Builder: John Craig, Trenton, Michigan
  • Dimensions:
    • Length: 159 feet (48.5 meters)
    • Beam: 29 feet (8.8 meters)
    • Depth: 9 feet (2.7 meters)
  • Tonnage: 442 Gross Tons
  • Ownership History:
    • Built as ANNIE L. CRAIG (American ownership).
    • Sold to Canadian ownership in 1878 and renamed CITY OF WINNIPEG.
  • Final Location: Northern Pacific Railway Dock, Duluth, Minnesota, Lake Superior
  • Incident Date: April 24, 1881

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The CITY OF WINNIPEG was a wooden propeller-driven Steamer, a popular vessel design on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Its Screw Propulsion system made it highly maneuverable and efficient for passenger and freight transport. Initially built as the ANNIE L. CRAIG for American ownership, the ship served in commercial and passenger transport roles before its transition to Canadian ownership and renaming.

HISTORY

The vessel was constructed in 1870 by John Craig, a prominent shipbuilder in Trenton, Michigan. Initially serving under the name ANNIE L. CRAIG, the Steamer operated in American waters, providing a vital link for the movement of goods and passengers. In 1878, the ship was sold to Canadian ownership, renamed CITY OF WINNIPEG, and repurposed for operations on Lake Superior and the upper Great Lakes.

The CITY OF WINNIPEG became an essential part of the regional transportation network, carrying both passengers and freight. At the time of its loss, the vessel was loaded with a mixed cargo of whiskey, livestock (notably horses), and other goods.

FINAL DISPOSITION

On April 24, 1881, while docked at the Northern Pacific Railway Dock in Duluth, the CITY OF WINNIPEG caught fire under mysterious circumstances. The fire spread rapidly, consuming the wooden structure of the ship and its flammable cargo. Despite the crew’s heroic efforts to save passengers and belongings, the vessel was entirely engulfed in flames.

Casualties:

  • Four crew members perished in the fire.
  • The ship’s cargo, including whiskey and horses, was completely destroyed.

The fire caused widespread chaos, with passengers and bystanders attempting to salvage what they could. The Duluth Fire Department responded promptly, but the intensity of the blaze left little to recover. The hulk of the vessel sank at the dock.

Subsequent Events:

Following the disaster, the wreck was sold, and attempts were made to raise and salvage the vessel.

The whiskey cargo, which was a valuable commodity, became a source of intrigue and mystery, with rumors of salvaging efforts circulating in the region.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) regarding the wreck site, as it was located at the dock and has since been cleared for navigation. However, the story of the CITY OF WINNIPEG remains a part of Duluth’s maritime history.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The wreck of the CITY OF WINNIPEG was largely destroyed by fire and later salvaged. No significant remains of the vessel are known to exist. The incident site is now part of the modern harbor infrastructure at Duluth.

RESOURCES & LINKS

  • Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Historical records on the CITY OF WINNIPEG and similar vessels.
  • Duluth Historical Society: Local archives documenting the fire and its impact.
  • Great Lakes Shipwreck Files by David Swayze: Comprehensive database of shipwrecks in the region.

CONCLUSION

The CITY OF WINNIPEG’s tragic end in 1881 highlights the perils faced by wooden steamers operating on the Great Lakes. Its transformation from the ANNIE L. CRAIG to the CITY OF WINNIPEG reflects the dynamic history of Great Lakes shipping, while its fiery demise underscores the inherent dangers of maritime commerce in the 19th century. The vessel’s story remains an enduring chapter in the rich maritime heritage of Lake Superior.

KEYWORDS: CITY OF WINNIPEG, ANNIE L. CRAIG, Duluth, Lake Superior, Great Lakes maritime history, ship fire, whiskey cargo, 19th-century Steamer, Northern Pacific Railway Dock