Coos Bay Inland Water Routes and the Mosquito Fleet
The early development of Coos Bay was defined by the challenge of navigating its complex network of rivers and sloughs. To connect the bay with the surrounding region, early settlers and entrepreneurs established a series of inland water routes, overcoming narrow passages and shallow waters to move passengers and freight.
Navigating these waters was not without difficulty. Many passages were extremely narrow; for instance, Beaver Slough earned its name from the beavers that built nightly dams, which crews had to dismantle to allow the passage of vessels like the Mud Hen.
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The Establishment of Early Steamboat Operations
In 1873, steamboat captains Nat H. Lane and W.H. Troup brought their experience from the Columbia River to Coos Bay. They established the Coos Bay and Coquille Transportation Company, operating the steamboat Messenger to facilitate regional travel.
Overcoming the Isthmus: The Portage Railway
A significant geographical hurdle existed between the southern arm of Coos Bay, known as Isthmus Slough, and Beaver Slough, a branch of the Coquille River. To bridge this gap, Judge Gilbert Hall constructed a mule-hauled portage railway in 1869.
This 1.5-mile line cost $8,000 and featured wooden rails on rough sleepers with trestles crossing various ravines. The system was simple: a single man drove a wagon carrying a platform to transport goods and people.
The Logistics of the Portage Route
The journey was a multi-stage process. Smaller steamboats traveled up Isthmus Slough to a north landing, where cargo and passengers were transferred to the mule-drawn wagon. Upon reaching the southern landing at Beaver Slough, canoes and small unpowered boats completed the final six-mile trip to the Coquille River.
By 1872, the steamboat Satellite provided daily service from Empire City to Isthmus Slough and bi-weekly trips 18 miles up the Coos River. While the railway initially carried about 2 tons of freight per day, by 1873, the total volume shipped over the line reached approximately 600 tons.
To modernize this shortcut, construction began in August 1874 on the Isthmus Transit Railroad, a steam-powered narrow gauge line. This upgrade provided a more efficient link between Marshfield (the former name of Coos Bay) and Coquille, while allowing travelers to avoid the hazardous ocean bars of the Coos and Coquille rivers.
The Rise of the Mosquito Fleet
The term Mosquito Fleet refers to the large collection of small, agile steamboats and gasoline launches that buzzed around the bay and its tributaries. Frank Lowe, a Marshfield shipyard owner, was a key contributor, building vessels such as the propeller Coquille and the sternwheelers Millicoma and Rainbow.
The fleet expanded rapidly between 1876 and 1912. Early additions included the Juno, launched in 1876 by Capt. A. Campbell and son. By the turn of the century, gasoline engines began to replace steam. Notable vessels included the 13-ton Alma (later Jauniata) in 1899 and the 8-ton gasoline-powered Gasgo in 1900.
Proliferation of Local Shipyards
Various builders contributed to the fleet's growth. In 1907, Max Timmerman launched the Bonita and City of Coos Bay, while W.W. Holland produced the Beaver, Express, Queen, and Koos. Other contributors included G.H. Elliott, Frank Lowe, Z.A. Kanick, and H.P. McCallon.
By 1908 and 1909, the fleet continued to grow with vessels like the Enterprise (originally Coast), Traveler, Victor, Wolverine, Ranger, and Shamrock. By 1912, gasoline-powered vessels such as the Albatross, Freak, and Union were common, alongside the 16-ton Turtle, which was used to transport wood components for steam schooners.
Maritime Hazards and Tragedies
The year 1912 was particularly devastating for the Mosquito Fleet. On March 6, the Curlew sank after colliding with the tug Columbia. On December 30, the Mayflower was lost to fire. The most tragic event occurred on January 20, 1912, when the North Star No. 1 capsized after drifting over the bar, resulting in the deaths of operator Joseph Yonkers and five passengers.
The Life-Line Mission Boat
Among the unique vessels of 1912 was the Life-Line. Designed by George H. Hitchings and built for the Rev. G. L. Hall of the American Baptist Publications Society, this 24 horsepower gasoline-powered propeller boat served as a mission vessel. Under Captain Lund, the Life-Line traveled the coast to provide spiritual guidance to seamen and longshoremen. The vessel eventually ran ashore south of Neahkanie and remained hidden until it was uncovered by a bulldozer in 1949.
Key Facts
- The Portage Railway: A 1.5-mile mule-hauled line built in 1869 to connect Coos Bay and the Coquille River.
- Isthmus Transit Railroad: A steam-powered narrow gauge replacement for the mule railway, started in 1874.
- The Mosquito Fleet: A diverse group of small steamboats and gasoline launches used for regional transport.
- Marshfield: The original name of the area now known as Coos Bay.
- Freight Volume: The portage railway moved approximately 600 tons of freight in 1873.
| Vessel Name | Type/Power | Tonnage | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alma (Jauniata) | Propeller Steamer | 13 tons | Passenger service (1899) |
| Gasgo | Gasoline | 8 tons | Served Coos Bay and Umpqua River (1900) |
| Relief | Gasoline Launch | 9 tons | Passenger and towing work (1901) |
| Turtle | Gasoline | 16 tons | Loaded wood components for schooners (1912) |
| Life-Line | Gasoline Propeller | 24 hp | Baptist mission boat (1912) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of the portage railway?
The portage railway was built to create a shortcut between Coos Bay and the Coquille River, allowing passengers and freight to bypass the dangerous ocean bars.
What was the "Mosquito Fleet"?
The Mosquito Fleet was a collection of small, locally built steamboats and gasoline-powered launches that provided essential transportation and towing services throughout the bay and nearby rivers.
Why was Beaver Slough difficult to navigate?
Beaver Slough was challenging because beavers frequently built dams across the waterway overnight, which had to be removed before boats could pass.
What happened to the mission boat Life-Line?
After a career of missionary work along the coast, the Life-Line ran ashore south of Neahkanie and was eventually rediscovered by a bulldozer in 1949.
Which city was formerly known as Marshfield?
Marshfield was the name used for Coos Bay during the era when the inland water routes and the Mosquito Fleet were established.