Built as an iron hulled passenger- cargo vessel under yard No163 by Thomas Wingate & Company, Glasgow for Merrow & Co.
But before launching already taken over by State Steamship Company, Glasgow.
November 1872 launched under the name MINNESOTA.
Tonnage 1.857 grt, 1.208 net, dim. 91.59 x 10.77 x 7.49m.
Powered by a compound 2-cyl steam engine, manufactured by builder, 220 nhp., one screw, speed 12 knots.
Two decks.
Passenger accommodation for 30 first, 50 intermediate and 200 third class.
1872 completed.
After deliver used in the service between Glasgow and Liverpool to New Orleans, sometimes she made call at Bordeaux and Havana.
The names of the ships of the company were given confusion with the vessels of the same name of the American Guion and National Lines, and in December 1873 the name was altered to STATE OF MINNESOTA.
The service to the USA was not a great financially success due to a slump in cargo availability, and the service to New Orleans was closed down in 1875.
1875 Sold to the Royal Mail Line and renamed DEE.
Placed in the service from Southampton to the West Indies.
1881 New engines 250 nhp, manufactured by Earles of Hull.
1901 Sold to the Niger Company, London not renamed.
After she was declared unfit for further trade, she was dismantled and her empty hull towed to sea and scuttled on 26 April 1913.
Belize 1999 75c sg?, scott?, 2006 $3 sg?, scott?.
Source: North Atlantic Seaways by Bonsor. Merchant Fleets Royal Mail Line by Duncan Haws.
http://www.clydesite.co.uk/clydebuilt/v ... p?id=14626 http://www.miramarshipindex.org.nz