mcdougall's american steel barge company had committed in the contract that the "columbus" would be built and delivered in three months, making her one of the fastest-built large ships of her time. the builders further promised rapid loading and unloading, predicting that the vessel would be able to embark 5,000 passengers in five minutes, and disembark the same passengers in even less time. the "columbus" was specified to be able run the from the dock downtown to the fairgrounds at jackson park and 64th street in 20 minutes.