Identification & Site Information

  • Vessel Name: W. A. Moore
  • Other Names: None (sometimes listed as Wm. A. Moore)
  • Official Number: 26 244
  • Years Active: Launched 1865 – lost 6 July 1891
  • Build Location: Detroit, MI (builder: J. Jones)
  • Vessel Type: Wooden propeller steam Tug
  • Dimensions: 119 × 21 × 11 ft — 212 gross / 149 net tons
  • Final Disposition: Burned while docked
  • Location of Loss: Cleveland, Ohio, near Willow Street bridge on the Cuyahoga River
  • Cause of Loss: Coal bunker fire
  • Date of Incident: 6 July 1891
  • Human Casualties: None reported (all hands escaped)

Vessel Specifications

Incident Description

On 6 July 1891, W. A. Moore was moored at her dock near the Willow Street bridge in Cleveland. A fire broke out in her coal bunkers—reportedly due to spontaneous combustion during hot weather. Although reports initially described moderate damage, the vessel was severely compromised by fire and never returned to service (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files).

Sources

  • Great Lakes Shipwreck Files (“M” listing for W. A. Moore) detailing build specs, fire at dock near Willow Street, and outcome (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
  • Historical collision survivor anecdotes confirm her return to service post‑1871 squall, showcasing her resilience

Keywords & Categories

  • Region: Cleveland, Ohio (Cuyahoga River, Lake Erie)
  • Vessel Type: Wooden steam Tug
  • Loss Cause: Spontaneous coal‑bunker fire
  • Human Toll: None
  • Build Date: 1865
  • Loss Date: 6 July 1891
  • Fate: Docked fire — burnt out, never repaired