Plymouth (schooner-barge)

The Plymouth was a schooner-barge that operated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily on the Great Lakes. These vessels were designed to be towed in long lines, often by a single steam-powered vessel, allowing for the efficient transport of bulk cargo such as grain, coal, and iron ore. The Plymouth, like many schooner-barges, retained masts and sails, though they were mainly used for maneuvering and stabilization rather than independent propulsion after the advent of reliable towing.

Schooner-barges were a common sight on the Great Lakes, filling a gap between sailing vessels and fully powered steamers. They represented a compromise in technology, allowing for the economies of scale offered by steam power while retaining some of the flexibility and lower initial cost of sail. The design was particularly well-suited to the long distances and relatively sheltered waters of the Great Lakes.

The Plymouth's history likely included numerous voyages carrying various commodities. Like other vessels of its type, it would have been subject to the inherent risks of Great Lakes navigation, including storms, collisions, and groundings. Records for individual schooner-barges can be sparse, making detailed accounts of their specific operations challenging to reconstruct. The fate of the Plymouth, whether it was lost in a wreck, converted to another purpose, or simply scrapped, is not readily available in general sources. Further research into maritime archives and historical shipping records would be necessary to ascertain the specifics of its career and ultimate disposition.