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The Alligator Tug

By the late 19th century, Ontario's lumber industry had harvested much of the timber from along its waterways. As lumbering moved further inland, it became increasingly difficult and expensive to...

By the late 19th century, Ontario's lumber industry had harvested much of the timber from along its waterways. As lumbering moved further inland, it became increasingly difficult and expensive to move timber. The Alligator or Steam Warping Tug was invented by Joe Ceburn West to tow log booms cheaply and efficiently. The amphibious Alligator was driven by paddle wheels and used a winch to tow log booms and to pull itself over land from lake to lake. In 1889, West began manufacturing the tug in partnership with James Peachey and their Simcoe foundry quickly became the major producer of Alligators. By 1932, when they stopped manufacturing the tug, over 230 Alligators had been built. The lumber industry used the Alligator Tug throughout North America for many years.


Plaque via Alan L. Brown's site Ontario Plaques. Full page here.

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