Major Technological Developments
Lakes shipping did not really begin to take off, however, until the 1860s. Up to this point, harbors and canals still dictated the maximum size of a ship. Now two developments played a major role in this change. The first was the creation of a faster sailing vessel, the three- to five-masted schooner. Second was the advent of maritime steam power. Both the schooner and maritime steam power gave a technological boost to the Lakes shipping industry, which had been greatly threatened by the growing railroads.
Efficiency -- the need for fast and cheap delivery of natural resources -- was paramount. Vessels up to 200 feet in length, with displacements of up to 800 tons began to appear. In 1868, the number of Lakes sailing ships peaked at 1,869, representing 294,000 tons. During this period, steam-powered tugboats first appeared, permitting safer docking procedures and allowing the towing and rescue of becalmed or stranded sailing vessels.
Other technological advances played a role in the shipping boom. The first Lakes ships with screw propellers appeared in 1841 on Lake Ontario. Side-wheel vessels played a key role in the development of passenger steamers and recreational excursions. By the 1880s, passenger travel was at its peak. During the 12-15 week summer season, side-wheel boats were filled to capacity. The side-wheeler did not last on the Lakes, however, due to competition from railroads and Lakes ships with steam-driven propellers. Bulky side-wheel drive systems could not carry the extra freight and passengers that the propeller-driven vessels could handle.
The demand for transport of increasing amounts of Lakes cargo led to the construction of larger ships that could carry more iron ore, coal, grain, lumber, or stone. By the 1900s, the 600-foot ore boats appeared. Although the total number of Lakes ships peaked in the 1860s, there was an increase in overall tonnage carried in the late 1800s due to the much greater carrying capacity of individual ships. The demand for larger ships had to balanced against size limitations due to stability and durability in Lake storms. To achieve greater size, new construction techniques and designs had to be perfected to keep the larger boats from breaking up in severe weather.
Early Great Lakes Shipping
Summary of Great Lakes Shipping Events