Fairhaven (sternwheeler)

Fairhaven was a sternwheel steamboat that operated on Puget Sound from 1897 to 1917. Built to serve the route between Seattle and Fairhaven, Washington, the vessel was also used in other areas of Puget Sound.

Design and Construction

Fairhaven was constructed in 1897 at Tacoma, Washington by the Tacoma Steam Boiler Works. It was built for the Bellingham Bay Transportation Company. The vessel's dimensions were 152 feet in length, with a beam of 30 feet and depth of hold of 7.5 feet. The overall size of the vessel was 405 gross tons and 282 net tons. The official merchant vessel registry number was 120616.

Career

Primarily, Fairhaven operated on the Seattle-Fairhaven route, carrying passengers, freight, and mail. This route connected Seattle with various towns along Bellingham Bay. The vessel occasionally served other routes within Puget Sound depending on demand. It was known for its relatively high speed for the era.

Disposition

Fairhaven was sold to new owners in 1917 and taken to Alaska. Details regarding its later use and final disposition in Alaska are limited.