#186 Steamship William G. Mather
1925
Prototypical ore boat on the Great Lakes
The Steamship William G. Mather represents the evolution of mechanical engineering in Great Lakes shipping. Launched as a state-of-the-art ship for its time, the Mather served as a prototype, incorporating the latest advancements. Enhancements, which extended the ship's economic life, included a single oil-fired boiler, steam turbine propulsion, automatic power plant control, as well as a dual propeller bow-thruster. As a result, Great Lakes shipping remained efficient, productive and competitive with other modes of transportation. The savings helped local iron ore sources maintain an economical edge over non-US suppliers. In 1991 the Mather opened as a floating maritime museum ship at East Ninth Street pier and is now owned by the Harbor Heritage Society.
Landmark Location
Dock 32 (near Rock 'N Roll Hall of Fame and Museum)
Cleveland, OH
Visiting Info:
https://greatscience.com/explore/exhibits/william-g-mather-steamship
William G. Mather Steamship
Links:
Historic Naval Visitors Guide: http://www.maritime.org/hnsa-mather.htm
Preservation Efforts: www.citizensvision.org
Ceremony Notes
July 1995
Plaque location, if specific
on board