Originally a lumber hooker (a ship to haul lumber) named the "Mark Covell," "Pere Marquette No. 6" was built at Manitowoc, Wisconsin in 1888. The ship was bought in 1906 by the Pere Marquette Company, refitted with passenger cabins, and remained "Pere Marquette No. 6." She sailed as a passenger ferry until 1934, when she was cut down to a barge. She was intentionally sunk in a fireworks display July 4, 1939 off Manitowoc.