BOSTON, PROBABLY 1880-1920

The Vigilant was a steamship that operated for approximately 40 years around the turn of the twentieth century. It participated in the Spanish-American War and was subsequently relegated to tug duties in Boston harbor. Primarily, the tugboat was responsible for escorting ships into the harbor to the famous Rowes Wharf, where they would be able to unload their cargo into the large warehouses located there. The ship was retired from active duty sometime in the 1920s, and the pilot-house eagle was removed at that time.