by Embark on a nostalgic journey back to the 1890s as we uncover the fascinating story of the Steamer City of Alpena, a luxurious 285-foot, 2,000-horsepower sidewheel paddlewheel that serviced the Great Lakes for decades. Carrying up to 400 passengers and freight along the D&C’s “Coast Line to Mackinaw” run, this magnificent vessel was the epitome of elegance and sophistication, shaping how we perceive Michigan’s tourism and resort areas today.
The Steamer City of Alpena and the City of Mackinac were sister ships conducting service as part of the Detroit and Cleveland line. This sidewheel paddlewheel started service in 1893 and could carry up to 400 passengers and freight.
Steamer City of Alpena
The ship ran the Lake Huron Route for 28 years. In 1921 she was moved to Lake Michigan and renamed the City of Saugatuck. By the late 1930s, the once-proud ship was reduced, being rebuilt as a pulpwood barge hauling pulpwood and other freight. It was owned by several paper companies in its final years of service. The ship was broken up for scrap in 1957.
D&C – Detroit and Cleveland Navigation Company
Detroit and Cleveland Navigation Company, often abridged as D&C, was a passenger and freight shipping company on the Great Lakes. It operated a line of 10 ships from 1868 to 1951 and was known for its opulent ships. In 1924 the company built one of the largest steamships in the world. At 538 feet, Greater Detroit was launched on September 15, 1923, primarily sailing overnight from Detroit to Buffalo. It stayed in service until 1950.
The Start of Going up North
 Steamship Traveling on the Great Lakes in the 1880s gave rise to the term “Going Up North”. Before the railroads and automobiles. Travel by steamship has gotten luxurious. Michigan’s tourism and resort areas began to grow because steamships could take a businessman from Chicago or Detroit to join families in northern Michigan Friday afternoon and return him Monday morning rested and refreshed and ready to work.
FAQ on the Steamer, City of Alpena
What happened to the Steamer City of Alpena after it was retired from service?
After 28 years of service on the Lake Huron Route, the Steamer City of Alpena was moved to Lake Michigan in 1921 and renamed the City of Saugatuck. In the late 1930s, the once-proud ship was repurposed and rebuilt as a pulpwood barge, hauling pulpwood and other freight. It underwent several ownership changes among paper companies during its final years of service. Ultimately, the ship was broken up for scrap in 1957, marking the end of its storied history.
How did the Detroit and Cleveland Navigation Company contribute to the development of steamship travel on the Great Lakes?
The Detroit and Cleveland Navigation Company (D&C) played a significant role in developing steamship travel on the Great Lakes. Established in 1868, D&C operated a line of 10 ships until 1951, providing passenger and freight shipping services across the lakes. The company was known for its opulent ships, including the Steamer City of Alpena and the City of Mackinac, which served as a benchmark for luxurious steamship travel.
D&C helped popularize the concept of “Going Up North,” as steamship travel on the Great Lakes in the late 1800s and early 1900s became an enjoyable and luxurious passenger experience. The company’s steamships connected major cities like Detroit, Cleveland, and Buffalo, making it easier for people to travel to Michigan’s burgeoning tourism and resort areas.
In 1924, D&C built one of the largest steamships in the world, the 538-foot Greater Detroit, which primarily sailed overnight from Detroit to Buffalo. The company’s innovations in steamship design, service, and travel routes contributed to the growth of tourism and commerce in the Great Lakes region, leaving a lasting impact on the region’s transportation landscape.
What was the significance of the term “Going Up North” in relation to steamship travel in the late 1800s and early 1900s?
The term “Going Up North” gained prominence in the late 1800s and early 1900s with steamship travel on the Great Lakes. It referred to the popular practice of traveling from major cities like Detroit and Chicago to the northern regions of Michigan using steamships. During this time, steamship travel became increasingly luxurious and enjoyable, enabling many people to explore northern Michigan’s beautiful resort areas and tourist destinations.
The term also highlights steamships’ important role in the development of Michigan’s tourism industry. The ease of travel provided by steamships allowed for the growth of resort areas, contributing to the region’s economic prosperity and shaping how people perceived and experienced Michigan’s vacation destinations.
Final Thought on The Steamer City of Alpena
The Steamer City of Alpena’s rich history serves as a reminder of the golden age of steamship travel on the Great Lakes. With its opulent design and elegant service, this remarkable vessel left an indelible mark on the region’s tourism and transportation landscape. As we reflect on the bygone era of steamships like the City of Alpena, we appreciate the enduring legacy they have left behind, forever engrained in the hearts and minds of those who experienced the allure of “Going Up North.”
Recent Reading
-
This Apple Cider Margarita Will Change the Way You Drink Tequila
An apple cider margarita blends crisp apple cider, tequila, and lime for a fall-inspired cocktail with a unique twist. Perfect for cozy gatherings or sipping solo by the fire.
-
Big Michigan – Exploring the State’s Largest and Most Impressive Attractions
Michigan is a state of superlatives, boasting some of the largest and most impressive natural and man-made attractions in the country. From the vast expanse of the Great Lakes to …
-
Michigan Coney Dogs – There Is Not One, But 4 Delicious Types —Which Is Best?
When you think of iconic American food, the humble hot dog surely makes the list. But in Michigan, a coney dog isn’t just any hot dog—it’s a culinary experience steeped …
-
This Apple Cider Margarita Will Change the Way You Drink Tequila
An apple cider margarita blends crisp apple cider, tequila, and lime for a fall-inspired cocktail with a unique twist. Perfect for cozy gatherings or sipping solo by the fire.
-
Big Michigan – Exploring the State’s Largest and Most Impressive Attractions
Michigan is a state of superlatives, boasting some of the largest and most impressive natural and man-made attractions in the country. From the vast expanse of the Great Lakes to …
-
Michigan Coney Dogs – There Is Not One, But 4 Delicious Types —Which Is Best?
When you think of iconic American food, the humble hot dog surely makes the list. But in Michigan, a coney dog isn’t just any hot dog—it’s a culinary experience steeped …
