Chesterfield Township in New Baltimore in Macomb County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
"The Dorr"
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, June 27, 2022
1. "The Dorr" Marker
Inscription.
"The Dorr" was a 265 foot vessel that was traveling down the St. Clair River with a cargo of coal heading for its port in Detroit in 1927. The boiler overheated and exploded engulfing the stern of the vessel in flames. The captain's attempt to fight the fire proved to be in vain. Most of the crew were ordered to abandon the vessel. However, a skeleton crew of 5 men in a last ditch effort to save her, dropped the port anchor so the vessel would swing against the Canadian shore. After several hours of attempting to extinguish the fire, the order was given to abandon ship. The vessel's cargo burned for several days. Eventually, the vessel broached too (rolled over) and and in approximately 40 feet of water. Early in 1947, an attempt was made to salvage the remains of the vessel to clear the freighter channel. This is when the anchor was recovered.
"The Dorr" was a 265 foot vessel that was traveling down the St. Clair River with a cargo of coal heading for its port in Detroit in 1927. The boiler overheated and exploded engulfing the stern of the vessel in flames. The captain's attempt to fight the fire proved to be in vain. Most of the crew were ordered to abandon the vessel. However, a skeleton crew of 5 men in a last ditch effort to save her, dropped the port anchor so the vessel would swing against the Canadian shore. After several hours of attempting to extinguish the fire, the order was given to abandon ship. The vessel's cargo burned for several days. Eventually, the vessel broached too (rolled over) and and in approximately 40 feet of water. Early in 1947, an attempt was made to salvage the remains of the vessel to clear the freighter channel. This is when the anchor was recovered.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1927.
Location. 42° 40.518′ N, 82° 47.904′ W. Marker is in New Baltimore, Michigan, in Macomb County. It is in Chesterfield Township. Marker is at the intersection of 23 Mile Road (Michigan Route 29) and South Foster Road, on the right when traveling west on 23 Mile Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 30905 23 Mile Road, New Baltimore MI 48047, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 7, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 59 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on March 7, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
