Many transformations took place in the 74 years the "Wm. P. Fessenden" sailed the Great Lakes. Built in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1866, the ship was modified in 1884. Her engine was placed in an iron hull, and her wooden hull became the schooner "Dan Rogers," which was operated by the Marine Revenue Service from 1889-1902. In 1909, the "Wm. P. Fessenden" was decommissioned, towed to Toledo, Ohio and rebuilt as the passenger steamer "Chippewa." She was dismantled in 1940.