The Great Lakes Towing Company was founded in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1899 and rapidly grew in fleet size and popularity. Since its founding, the company has become the most prominent U.S. flagged Great Lakes tugboat fleet, servicing all five Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence Seaway, providing services for ship assistance, ice breaking, cargo transportation and emergency services for every vessel type. The famous company is recognized for the large bolded “G” on their smokestacks, the same emblem used on this seven-foot swallowtail company flag. Interestingly, the company paints its vessels red and green, while its house flag is blue and white.