1854                                                        Western World                                    1863

Wooden sidewheel Great Lakes passenger and package freight vessel

Built at Buffalo NY by Bidwell & Banta
Launched April 18, 1854

346’ LOA, 42’6” beam, 30’ depth
1 deck, coal-fired boilers, vertical beam engine,

Enrolled at Detroit MI July 21, 1854 (#92)
337’” x 42’1” x 14’6”, 2002 42/95 tons     to:
Michigan Central Railroad Co., Detroit MI (home port Detroit MI)

In service between Buffalo NY and Detroit MI with sister vessel Western World

Laid up late in the 1857 season because of the Panic of 1857.  By the time the economy recovered, the railroad lines around Lake Erie had been completed and the large vessels of her type were no longer needed.

Engine removed and shipped to New York NY for installation in str. Fire Queen under construction. 

Hull used as floating drydock at Bay City MI

W047