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.