The creation of the United States Steel Corporation in 1901, was the result of the merger of many smaller steel makers into one giant corporation, the size and scope of which was never before seen in the United States. In 1901, the United States Steel Corp. formed its lake transportation fleet - the Pittsburgh Steamship Company, later renamed USS Great Lakes Fleet.

Details of acquisition of the Acme Transit, American Steamship, American Steel Barge, Bessemer Steamship, Eddy Shaw Transportation, Menominee Transportation, Minnesota Steamship, Mutual Transportation, Provident Steamship, Weston Transit and Zenith Transit companies, as well as new vessels constructed are all included in THE SILVER STACKERS.