History of the Lafayette

The Lafayette (official number 141657) was a 454 feet long, 50 ft beam steel freighter built in 1900 by the American Ship Building Co. of Lorain Ohio.  It was owned by the Pittsburgh Steamship Co. from the time of its construction until its demise in the famous Lake Superior 1905 storm -- one of three major storms that year.  On November 28, 1905 the horrific northeast storm piled both the Lafayette and its 436 ft. consort barge Manila on the shore behind Encampment Island on what is now called Lafayette Bluff.  The Lafayette was broken in two when the Manila collided with it.  All of the crew survived.

Both were salvaged after the storm and the engine from the Lafayette was later placed in the steamer J.S. Ashley.  There are a number of photos in existence showing the two ice-covered ships on the shore and the salvaged stern of the Lafayette being towed through the Duluth ship canal.

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