On this day January 4, 1952, the Christy Corp of Sturgeon Bay launched the car ferry SPARTAN. No big ceremony was held as her sister ship the BADGER was being built at the same time. The big ceremony was reserved for September 6th when both were christened while over 1,000 watched.
SPARTAN’s christening on September 6, 1952 is photo at top of page
The Chesapeake and Ohio Railway decided to name their car ferries after the athletic teams of the Michigan State University, the Spartans, and the University of Wisconsin, the Badgers. Delegations from both colleges were on hand at the christening, roaring their traditional school cheers.
SPARTAN at her Maple Street Dock, October 16, 1952
The streamlined ferries were 410 feet in length with a 60 foot beam and cost $5,000,000 each. They were designed for year-round operation and could carry 32 railroad freight cars or 150 automobile. Passengers could roam a spacious lounge and promenade on the cabin deck or choose one of the 44 outside or 16 inside staterooms.
SPARTAN off Milwaukee with cruisers in tow, August 1962
The car ferry routes of the C&O operated from Ludington, Michigan, to railroad connections at three points on the western shore of Lake Michigan, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, and Milwaukee, all in Wisconsin. By using this route, freight moving between the East and the Northwest and Pacific Coast could by-pass the congested Chicago switching area.
SPARTAN loading at Ludington, 1966
By the 1970s C&O Railway decided car ferries were no longer profitable to operate. The SPARTAN laid up on September 10, 1979, at Ludington and basically over the years has supplied parts for her sister ship the BADGER.
SPARTAN tied up at Ludington, 2004, photo by Chuck Sterba
Late in December 2020, the SPARTAN, the BADGER and the tug/barge UNDAUNTED/PERE MARQUETTE 41 were sold to Interlake Steamship Company.
The BADGER is still a popular car ferry sailing between Manitowoc and Ludington. The SPARTAN is still being used for her parts.
Suzette Lopez
PHOTO CREDIT: The Great Lakes Marine Collection of the Wisconsin Marine Historical Society and Milwaukee Public Library.
