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ALPHA (1881)

Built in 1881, by the Chicago Dredge and Dock Company of Chicago, Illinois as the Alpha for the Illinois Dredging Company of Chicago, Illinois.

In 1899, the tug was acquired by the Maytham Towing and Wrecking Company of Cleveland, Ohio. A division of the Great Lakes Towing Company of Cleveland, Ohio. Where she retained her name.

In 1901, she was acquired by the Hand and Johnson Tug Line of Cleveland, Ohio. A division of the Great Lakes Towing Company of Cleveland, Ohio. Where the tug retained her name.

In 1912, the Great Lakes Towing Company renamed the tug as the Kentucky.

In 1917, the tug was acquired by the United States Shipping Board. Where she retained her name.

In 1927, she was acquired by an individual named Andrew J. Harper. Where the tug retained her name.

In 1943, the tug was abandoned. Her current, and or final disposition is unknown.


  • Vessel Name: ALPHA (1881)
  • USCG Doc. No.: 106036
  • Vessel Service: TOWING VESSEL
  • Trade Indicator: Coastwise Unrestricted Registry
  • Hull Material: IRON
  • Ship Builder: Chicago Dredge & Dock Co.
  • Year Built: 1881
  • Length: 77
  • Hull Depth: 13
  • Hull Breadth: 19.3
  • Gross Tonnage: 86
  • Net Tonnage: 43
  • Previous Vessel Names:
    Alpha, Kentucky
  • Previous Vessel Owners:
    Illinois Dredging Co., Maytham Towing & Wrecking Co., Hand & Johnson Tug Line, United States Shipping Board, Andrew J. Harper