Launched in 1891, the Grecian symbolizes an era of unprecedented industrial growth and dramatic changes in technology. Newspapers heralded the steamer and her five sister ships as "fast steel flyers." A marvel of efficiency at the time, Grecian made an impressive 35 trips and carried 93,000 tons of ore in 1896.
Between 1890 and 1920, the industrial steel giants required vast Great Lakes fleets to carry iron ore, the main raw material needed for production. The Grecian served J.P. Morgan's U.S. Steel Corporation, the nation's first billion-dollar firm.
Although quality steel bends upon impact, the Grecian'splating proved brittle, a common defect on early steel ships. In June 1906, the Grecian struck a reef in northern Lake Huron, tearing a hole in her bottom. While being towed to Detroit for repairs, the damaged vessel flooded and sank.
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