The Tugboat Urger
The historic Tugboat Urger in the Erie Canal during a visit in 2003, the Delaware Bridge in the background, and the Cantilever Railroad Bridge in the distance. North Tonawanda on the left; Tonawanda on the right.
The tugboat "Urger" is the flagship of the fleet of vessels operated by the New York State Canal Corporation on the 524-mile Canal System.
Built in 1901 in Ferrysburg, Michigan, this venerable tug is one of the oldest working vessels in the county still afloat. Originally built for use as a commercial shipping vessel, the "Urger" was originally christened the "Henry J. Dombos," after a prominent Michigan merchant. She was described in the Detroit Free Press as the "finest fishing boat in the local fishing fleet."
In the early 1920's, the tub boat was sold, renamed the "Urger," and entered the New York State Canal fleet. Stationed in Waterford, the "Urger" served more than 60 years hauling machinery, dredges, and scows on the Erie and Champlain Canals until she was retired from service in the 1980's.
Built in 1901 in Ferrysburg, Michigan, this venerable tug is one of the oldest working vessels in the county still afloat. Originally built for use as a commercial shipping vessel, the "Urger" was originally christened the "Henry J. Dombos," after a prominent Michigan merchant. She was described in the Detroit Free Press as the "finest fishing boat in the local fishing fleet."
In the early 1920's, the tub boat was sold, renamed the "Urger," and entered the New York State Canal fleet. Stationed in Waterford, the "Urger" served more than 60 years hauling machinery, dredges, and scows on the Erie and Champlain Canals until she was retired from service in the 1980's.
In 1991, the "Urger" was called back into service with a new mission. She now serves as the focal point of a program to educate school children and adults about the importance of New York's historic Canal System and the role that inland waterways have played historically, and continue to play, in the lives of people who live along them.