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S.S. Chief Wawatam: Serving The Straits (1911-1984)

Published: February 1, 2025

By: Adam Burns

The S.S. Chief Wawatam is a name that resonates with historical significance in the annals of Great Lakes transportation.

The story of the Chief is one of engineering prowess, economic necessity, and cultural preservation, and it reflects the broader narrative of industrial growth in the early 20th century.

The ferry was a coal-powered steel vessel primarily stationed in St. Ignace, Michigan throughout the majority of its operational years. The ship was named in honor of a prominent Ojibwa leader from the 1760s.

At the commencement its service, Chief Wawatam functioned as a multipurpose vessel, serving as both a train and passenger ferry as well as an icebreaker.

It facilitated year-round transit across the Straits of Mackinac, connecting St. Ignace and Mackinaw City, Michigan.  The ferry predominantely hauled railcars for the Duluth, South Shore & Atlantic (Soo Line) between the former point and the Pennsylvania and New York Central (later Detroit & Mackinac following Penn Central's sale of the ex-NYC trackage in 1970) from the latter.

Due to the challenging winter conditions, which often prolonged the crossing of the five-mile-wide Straits, the Chief was equipped with comprehensive passenger amenities.

In 1944, its responsibilities as an icebreaker on the upper Great Lakes were superseded by the USCGC Mackinaw, an icebreaking vessel operated by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Following World War II, there was a notable decline in public demand, culminating in the termination of passenger services in 1957 following the completion of the Mackinac Bridge, which provided a direct connection between Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsulas.

Subsequently, Chief Wawatam transitioned into its final operational role, solely dedicated to the transport of railroad freight cars across the Straits. The railroad docks that facilitated these operations in both Mackinaw City and St. Ignace remain intact to this day.

Detroit & Mackinac RS2 #977 unloads the coal-fired "Chief" ("S.S. Chief Wawatam") at Mackinaw City, Michigan in June, 1979. These operations once afforded the D&M with a steady flow of traffic but by the late 1970s they were nearing the end. Rob Kitchen photo.

The Car Ferry

Car ferries, unlike passenger ferries, are designed to transport vehicles and goods. Their evolution was spurred by the industrial boom of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, demanding efficient transport of raw materials and manufactured goods.

The Great Lakes region, with its contiguous waterway connections to the Atlantic Ocean via the Saint Lawrence Seaway, emerged as a hub of such maritime activities. Among these vessels, the S.S. Chief Wawatam was a quintessential example of the union between necessity and technological innovation.

Genesis

Chief Wawatam was designed by Great Lakes marine architect, Frank E. Kirby. The vessel was launched by the Toledo Shipbuilding Company in Toledo, Ohio, on August 26, 1911, as a successor to the St. Ignace, a wooden ship constructed in 1888.

At the time of its creation, this new steel ship was reputed to be the largest icebreaker in the world. It commenced operations for the Mackinac Transportation Company on October 18, 1911, a venture collaboratively owned by the Duluth, South Shore and Atlantic Railway (Soo), the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad (PRR), and the Michigan Central Railroad (NYC). These rail networks had routes traversing the Straits of Mackinac.

Engineering and Design

The engineering of the Chief Wawatam was a marvel of its time. Details of its design reveal an acute awareness of the challenges faced by ice-breaking vessels. 

The ferry was capable of transporting 18 to 26 railroad cars, contingent on their dimensions, across tracks permanently affixed to the ship's deck. Its steam engines shared a design lineage with those of the Titanic.

Post-1945 refurbishments included the installation of a steering gear sourced from a decommissioned World War II destroyer. While primarily serving to transport freight cars, the Chief also ferried standard passenger rail cars, automobiles, military personnel, and recreational passengers. An oak-furnished lounge catered to those onboard for leisure cruises. In colloquial reference, its name was frequently abbreviated to just "the Chief."

Ensuring year-round ferry service was especially challenging due to the severe ice conditions prevalent in the Straits of Mackinac during winter.

The ferry was engineered with a bow propeller designed not only for propulsion but also to remove water from beneath the ice, facilitating its rupture through gravitational force exerted by the ship's mass. This icebreaking functionality enabled the vessel to open channels for other freighters.

Measuring 338 feet in length with a beam width of 62 feet, the Chief was propelled by three coal-powered triple-expansion steam engines generating 6,000 horsepower.

The vessel is reputedly the last hand-fired, coal-burning ship in commercial service on the Great Lakes. Meanwhile, other coal-fired vessels, like the ferry S.S. Badger (Chesapeake & Ohio), which endured longer in service, employed automated coal stokers.

Operational History

From its maiden voyage in 1911 until its decommissioning in 1984, the Chief served as a vital link in the transportation infrastructure of Michigan. Its decks saw a motley assortment of human and commercial traffic, contributing significantly to the economic development of the region.

The dual nature of its service—ferrying both railcars and passengers—speaks to its adaptability and significance. During its operational years, the ferry forged connections not just between geographical locations but also between communities, sustaining the thriving industries reliant on efficient transport routes.

Cultural and Economic Impact

The Chief Wawatam holds a revered place in regional folklore and cultural memory. It symbolizes the spirit of innovation and resilience that characterized the early 20th-century industrial expansion. Its presence underpinned local economies, especially during the economic depression of the 1930s, providing a steady avenue for commerce.

Culturally, the ferry is an emblem of local heritage, celebrated in numerous narratives, personal anecdotes, and communal lore. It serves as a reminder of a bygone era when maritime activity was the lifeblood of isolated communities.

Preservation Efforts and Legacy

By the late 20th century, with changes in transportation technology and infrastructure, such as the construction of the Mackinac Bridge, the operational need for the Chief Wawatam diminished.

After service officially ended in 1984 it was cut down as a barge in 1989 until the remaining hull was finally scrapped in 2009.

The legacy of the Chief extends beyond its physical remnants. It continues to be a subject of scholarly research, feeding into studies on transportation, regional development, and the sociology of industrial communities. Moreover, it has inspired artistic endeavors, including literature and photography, further embedding it within the cultural fabric of Michigan.

The Chief Wawatam stands as a testament to the engineering capabilities of an era marked by industrial ambition and technological innovation. It embodies the convergence of practical necessity and inventive prowess, charting a narrative that encompasses economic growth, cultural memory, and technological advancement.

Its story is integral not just to regional history but also to the broader chronicles of American industrialization. As such, the Chief remains a symbol not only of local pride but also of a nation's journey through progress and change.