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Great Lakes Transit Corporation

The Great Lakes Transit Corporation was a U.S. company formed in the early 20th century to own and operate passenger and package steamships on the Great Lakes. Under this corporation’s banner, former railroad-owned liners such as the Milwaukee Clipper and other steamers continued passenger service and cruises across routes on the lakes through the 1920s and 1930s, promoting Great Lakes travel and tourism.

Details

Industry Type: Shipping

Business Address: Unknown

Founded Date: ~1915

Dissolved Date: Unknown

Boat: Chicago

Notes

In 1915, the anti-monopoly provisions of section 11 of the Panama Canal Act of 1912, ch. 390, 37 Stat. 560, 566 (August 24, 1912), which prohibited railroads under most circumstances from owning steamships, went into effect. As a result, railroad-owned company fleets were sold to buyers with no ownership interest in railways because under the new law railroads had to divest themselves of their marine divisions on the lakes.

Sources and Further Learning

Each year, they produced travel brochures (with amazing artwork) promoting their routes and trips.

Sources and Further Learning

Photo Gallery