Lost in thought, I wonder about the Army Corps of Engineers Detroit Boatyard. It stands as a testament to Detroit’s maritime history. The Army Corps of Engineers Detroit Boatyard has played a vital role on the Great Lakes.
Let’s explore its story. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has a significant presence in the Great Lakes region. The Great Lakes and Ohio River Division is based in Cincinnati. Two districts within this division focus on the Great Lakes. These are the Buffalo District and the Detroit District. The Detroit District operates area offices in several locations. These locations include Detroit, Kewaunee, Sault Ste. Marie and Duluth.
The Army Corps of Engineers performs essential work. This includes dredging and maintenance. They also maintain the Soo Locks. Their efforts extend to harbor maintenance. Survey work is another key function across the Great Lakes.
The Detroit District’s work is supported by a fleet of tugs. Currently active tugs include the Cheraw and D.L. Billmaier. Other active tugs are the Demolen and Don Raul. Hammond Bay and Kenosha are also among them. The Mike Donlon, Owen M. Frederick, Racine and Whitefish Bay complete the list.
Many tugs have served the Army Corps of Engineers in the past. These include the Anchor Bay and Ashland. Other past tugs are the Au Sable and Avondale. The Barlow, Bayfield, Beebe and Blake are included. The Buffalo and Captain A. Canfield also served. Past tugs include the Captain George and Chartiers. The Chester, Churchill and Col. J.D. Graham add to the list. The Col. M.J. McDonough and Cumberland also served. The Degolia, Dover and Duluth are among them. The Eclipse, Elsie and Escanaba were also part of the fleet. The Essayons and Fairchild also served. Past tugs include the Forney and Haskell. The Heron, Holland and Houghton are on the list. The John F. Nash and Joseph Throckmorton served. The Judson, Kaw and Keweenaw Bay add to the list. The Koziol, L.D. No. 617 and Lake Superior are among them. The Lamont and Lily North also served. Past tugs include the Ludington and Manistee. The Manitou, Marinette and Marquette are included. The Menasha, Menominee and Moore also served. The Neenah, Oatka and Oconto are among them. The Oriskany, Osprey and Pioneer were past tugs. The Quintus and Richard Caswell also served. The Rostock, Rouge and Shelter Bay are included. The Stanley, Tawas Bay and Thunder Bay add to the list. The Two Rivers, Washington and Wilmington complete it.
Great Lakes Shipyard completed a contract for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 2015. The contract involved drydocking and repairing multiple vessels. These vessels belonged to the Detroit District Floating Plant. The shipyard used its Marine Travelift for this project. The tug Demolen and deck scow BC-6576 were hauled out. The crane barge Veler was also hauled out.
Work included bin wall fabrication and deck mat renewals. Underwater hull cleaning and maintenance were performed. Inspections of propulsion and steering systems took place. Sea valves maintenance and bearing inspections were completed. Steel repairs and routine maintenance were also part of the work.
Interestingly, the Detroit Boat Club shares a connection to the Detroit River’s maritime history. It is the last surviving historic rowing boathouse. It stands out among nearly 70 rowing clubs that once lined the river. The Detroit Boat Club has a rich history. Its membership included automotive pioneers. Henry and Edsel Ford and Ransom E. Olds were members. Eight mayors, five senators and a congressman were also members. Presidential cabinet members and other figures were included. The club has produced national champions and Olympians. They all rowed from this boathouse.
The Detroit Boat Club’s current building is its seventh home. The prior clubhouses burned down. This one was built with brick and concrete. It stands as one of the oldest surviving concrete structures in the country.
The Army Corps of Engineers Detroit Boatyard is more than just a facility. It is a vital part of the Great Lakes’ story. Its work ensures the safe and efficient use of these important waterways.