1838 — June 16, stmr. George Washington (2d) burns, Lake Erie, off Silver Creek, NY-30-50

–30-50 Blanchard estimated death-toll range.*

— 60 Western Historical Co. History of St. Clair County, Michigan. 1883, p. 435.
–30-60 Lloyd’s Steamboat Directory and Disasters on the Western Waters. 1856, 130-131.
— 55 Committee of Citizens. Proceedings…Steamboat Disasters…Western Lakes. 1850, p11.
— 50 Berman, Bruce D. Encyclopedia of American Shipwrecks. 1972, p. 267.
— 50 McNeil. “George Washington (Steamboat), burnt, 16 Jun 1838.” Maritime His. Great Lakes.
— 50 Nash, Jay Robert. Darkest Hours. 1977, p. 680.
–40-50 Adams Sentinel, Gettysburg, PA. “Awful Catastrophe!,” June 25, 1838, p. 3, col. 2.
–40-50 Simonds. The American Date Book. 1902, p. 97.
–30-50 Alchem Incorporated. Lake Erie Shipwreck Map “D” and Index. Location 168.
–30-50 Calhoun County Patriot, Marshall, MI. “Terrible Catastrophe!,” June 22, 1838, p. 2.
–30-50 Swayze. Shipwreck!…Shipwrecks on the Great Lakes. 1992, p. 242.
— 40 Huron Reflector, Norwalk, OH. “Burning of the Washington,” June 26, 1838, p. 2, c.3.
— 40 Ratigan, William. Great Lakes Shipwrecks & Survivals (Revised). 1969, p. 187.
— >30 Mansfield, John Brandts (Compiler). History of the Great Lakes (Vol. 1). 1899, p. 629.
— 30 Nash, Jay Robert. Darkest Hours. 1977, p. 679.
–20-30 Calhoun County Patriot, Marshall, MI. “Terrible Catastrophe!,” June 22, 1838, p. 2.
–20-30 Waggoner. History of the City of Toledo and Lucas County, Ohio. 1888, p. 458.
— 20 Hagerstown Mail, MD. “Steamboat Disasters,” July 6, 1838, p. 2, col. 1.

* Blanchard estimated death-toll range. We show sources reflecting a range of deaths of twenty to sixty. We have reviewed dozens of other sources, which we have not noted, mostly newspapers of the time, which have not, though, contributed to my understanding of the true death toll. We choose the range of 30-50 deaths primarily because this seems reflective of most of the reporting, given that a definitive number was not known, and can never be known.

We do not incorporate the estimates of fifty-five or sixty deaths. All three sources which do were written many years later, and one (Lloyd) uses sixty as the high-end of a range of 30-60 deaths. Perhaps there were more than fifty, but we are doubtful that the death-toll was limited to twenty. Again, we could be mistaken, but we feel more comfortable estimating a range of 30-50 deaths than 20-60.

Narrative Information

Alchem Inc.: “George Washington: Side-wheel passenger steamer of 609 tons burned on 6/15/1838 off Silver Creek, New York with the loss of the lives of from 30 to 50 passengers.” (Alchem Incorporated.)

Lloyd: “A new and elegant steamboat called the Washington, was burned on Lake Erie, opposite Silver creek, June 16th, 1838. In the early part of the preceding night, the Washington passed the steamer North America, while the latter lay at the town of Erie. On the following morning, about three o’clock, when the North America was within three miles of Buffalo, the helmsman discovered a brilliant light, which ap¬peared to rise from the bosom of the lake in the direction of Silver creek. The North America was immediately put about, and steered for the scene of the apprehended disaster. On approaching the spot, about six o’clock, the burning hull of the Washington was found driving before the wind, about four miles from land, and not a living object could be discovered on board. The surface of the lake was literally covered with hats, bonnets, trunks, baggage and blackened fragments of the wreck.

“The intense anxiety of those who beheld this fearful scene for the fate of the passengers and crew of the Washington, was partially relieved by the discovery of several small boats near the shore, in which it was supposed that some who had embarked in the Washington were probably saved. In fact, the alarm had been given at the town of Silver Creek as soon as the flames were perceived from the shore, and all the boats that could be found were sent to rescue the sufferers. There were only three skiffs, however, which could be employed in this service ; but these, together with the yawl of the Washington, were the means of saving all who could be found on the steamer, and all who were still floating on the water when the skiffs arrived. But, in the meanwhile, a number, variously estimated from thirty to sixty, had per¬ished. Six dead bodies, those of two women and four children, were picked up by the boats near the burning wreck. One man died of his injuries soon after he reached the shore, and a child was found dead in its mother’s arms when taken out of the lake. The mother survived, though she was insensible when found in the water, clasping her dead infant to her bosom.

“The origin of the fire is not well explained, but it appears that the flames broke out in the immediate neighborhood of the boiler. The helm was immediately put about, and the head of the boat directed to the shore, but within a few minutes, the wheel ropes were severed by the fire, and the boat became an unmanageable wreck. Had iron rods, instead of ropes, been used in the construction of the steering apparatus, it is highly probable that every individual on board would have been saved, for in that case the boat could have reached the shore without difficulty. The surviving passengers unanimously testified that no blame could be attached to Capt. Brown, the commander of the Washington. The names of the victims, with the usual allowance for defective reports, are subjoined.” [19 fatalities are identified.]
(Lloyd. Lloyd’s Steamboat Directory and Disasters on the Western Waters. 1856, 130-131.)

Mansfield: “Burning of the Steamer George Washington. – The new steamboat George Washington, in command of Captain Brown, took fire on her downward passage below Dunkirk about 2 o’clock Saturday morning, June 16, 1838. In spite of every exertion to save passengers and crew, over 30 persons were burned or drowned. The bulkhead between the boilers and gentlemen’s cabin was in flames when the dreadful condition of the boat was discovered. The engine was stopped for the purpose of lowering the yawl, into which the frightened passengers quickly crowded. When ready to be let down, the fastenings at one end gave way and all the occupants were precipitated into the lake. Much time was lost in rescuing the persons thus plunged into the water, detaining the only boat that could take them to land. The yawl was dispatched to shore as soon as possible, but did not return in time to take off a second load, though several persons were picked up, having struggled for a time on floating boxes and planks.

“The North American was about 15 miles ahead of the Washington, and as soon as the flames were discovered, came back to her aid, but not in time to do more than pick up several persons struggling in the water; and to tow the burned hull to Silver Creek. The hull was scuttled and sunk at the wharf, nothing but the blackened timbres of the wheelhouse being visible. No property was saved from the boat. After stopping the engine to lower the yawl, the Washington became unmanageable and could not be got under way again. The tiller ropes parted and cut off all access to the engine…

“The fire is said to have caught from the boilers when the boat was about three miles from shore.

“The Washington was wholly new, and was in her maiden trip, having been completed but three or four days. She was built at Ashtabula, and was valued at $40,000, being owned largely by M. Kingman, of Buffalo, and Mr. Hubbard, of Ashtabula….” (Mansfield, John Brandts (Ed. and Compiler). History of the Great Lakes (Vol. 1). 1899, p. 629.)

Ratigan: “Another grim prelude to the two Lake Erie shipboard firs that are ranked among the thirteen worst disasters in Great Lakes history was enacted about thirty-five miles from Buffalo, in June of 1838, when the steamer Washington caught fire beneath her boilers and went up in smoke during the night. Many passengers were aroused from sleep to find their cabins already in flames. The captain made the decision to shut off the engine so that a lifeboat could be lowered. About twenty-five were brought safely ashore in this way, but the launching of the boat had given the fire so much headway that the machinery could not be started again. An estimated forty people were burned to death or drowned. Boats from shore rescued many who had jumped into the water, their clothing ablaze….” (Ratigan. Great Lakes Shipwrecks & Survivals (Rev.). 1969, p. 186-187.)

Simonds: “June 16 [1838], Washington burns on Lake Erie, 40 to 50 lost…” (Simonds. The American Date Book. 1902, p. 97.)

Swayze: “George Washington. Sidewheel passenger and package freight steamer of 609 t. [tons], launched in 1833 at Huron, OH.

“Lake Erie: The early sidewheel steamboat George Washington was a well-known carrier along the south shore of the lake until disaster ended her career on June 15, 1838. On that date she was above Silver Creek, near Dunkirk, New York, when she caught fire and was destroyed. Estimates of the number of passengers and crew who died in the catastrophe range from 30 to 50.” (Swayze. Shipwreck! A Comprehensive Directory…3,700 Shipwrecks on the Great Lakes. 1992, p. 242.)

Western Historical Company: “Washington 2d, 380 [tons], Ashtabula [built], 1838, burned off Silver Creek in 1838, 60 lives lost.”

Wiard: “The steamer Washington was burned on the 16th of June, 1838, off Silver Creek, Lake Erie. In relation to the cause, it is said, ‘The fire caught near the boilers, and had made such progress when discovered as to defy all efforts to extinguish it’.” (Wiard, Norman. The Cause of Boiler Explosions, etc. 1868, p. 10.)

Newspapers

June 22: “Detroit Post. Steamboat Washington Burnt. – On Sunday the 9th inst., the new steamboat Washington, returning to Buffalo from her first trip to this port, when about three miles from Dunkirk, caught fire beneath the furnace. The engineer let the steam off below, expecting thus to extinguish it but it being of no avail, and the fire increasing with dreadful rapidity, he raised the steam again for the purpose of getting to shore. This, however, was found to be impossible. The passengers were compelled to take to the small boats and to a temporary raft which some of them succeeded in erecting. With even these, however, a large number of lives were lost;—how many, or the names, we have not yet ascertained. The estimate varies from 30 to 50. All the property on board was lost.

“Since the above was penned we have seen an extra of the Daily Advertiser from which we extract the following :—

Captain Sheppard of the steamboat New York informs us ‘that the moment the boat was discovered to be on fire, Capt. Brown ordered her to be veered about, when she was run for the land. At this time, the consternation among the passengers is described as terrific in the extreme. A simultaneous rush was made to the small boat, which was completely filled before it could be cut loose. Finding his movements clogged, they were urged to quit in order to give an opportunity for getting the boat afloat. But they persisted, when the stern rope was cut, and many of them were precipitated into the lake. How many were drowned is not as yet known. At this time, they were about three miles from shore. The small boat was finally lowered down, and filled with men, women and children, pushed with all vigor to the shore.

Having landed these, the gallant crew immediately rowed again to the burning steamer, and took another load ashore. It returned a third time and with the same success. But before a fourth trip could be made, the unfortunate beings who were left had either fallen victims to the raging fire or found a watery grave in the depths of the lake. The conduct of Captain Brown is represented as having been gallant and every way worthy of high praise….The North American, on her way down, passed French Creek in time to take those of the surviving passengers who chose to go, and the New York, passing up about the same time, brought the crew of the ill-fated steamer to Detroit….

“The George Washington was built, we believe, at Ashtabula, and, like her namesake, wrecked a few years since, was making her first trip….It is reported that from 20 to 30 persons are missing, among them the Engineer of the boat.”

(Calhoun County Patriot, Marshall, MI. “Terrible Catastrophe!,” June 22, 1838, p. 2.)

June 25: “Burning of the Steamer Washington on Lake Erie and Fifty Lives Lost!

“The Buffalo papers furnish the particulars, which are inserted below, of a most melancholy disaster on Lake Erie, involving the destruction of numerous lives:

“Correspondence of the N. York Courier and Enquirer.

“Buffalo, Saturday, June 16. Dreadful Accident! – The Steamboat Washington burned! – Fifty lives lost! – It is with the post painful feelings that I write you, that the new steamboat Washington, Capt. Brown, took fire from underneath the bars of the furnace, at about 2 o’clock this morning, when about three miles above Silver Creek, or about thirty-six from this city, and was burnt to the water’s edge, with all that property on board; but what is most lamentable, upwards of forty persons, passengers and crew, are supposed to have perished.

“The Washington was bound down, with a large number of passengers. She might have been beached but the tiller ropes were very soon burnt off thus rendering her unmanageable. The steamboat N. America, Capt. Edmunds, was also coming down, and was within eight or ten miles of this city, when the blaze of the burning boat was discovered. Capt. Edmunds very humanely and promptly put his vessel about, and hastened to the relief of the wreck – being thus the means of saving many lives. Many of the passengers were picked up, almost exhausted. One of these was a female, who, with a mother’s care and tenderness, had two of her children in her arms – but unfortunately life in them was extinct. She was taken up more than a mile and a half from the burning vessel….” (Adams Sentinel, Gettysburg, PA. “Awful Catastrophe!,” 6-25-1838, p.3, c.2.)

June 26: “From the Cleveland Herald….we received this morning the Buffalonian of yesterday, containing the following authentic particulars of the late appalling catastrophe. They were furnished that paper by one of the passengers, the Rev. Mr. Judd of Garretsville, Portage, Co., Ohio, and may be relied on s correct.

“Conflagration of the Steam-Ship George Washington. – The Washington left Cleveland on her down passage from Detroit, on June 14, at 8 A.M. She proceeded on her way safely, until Saturday, at 2 o’clock, A.M., when she had arrived in the vicinity of Silver Creek, about 33 miles from Buffalo. The boat was now discovered to be on fire, which proceeded from beneath the boilers….

“There is reason to believe that as many as forty perished. It is impossible to compute the precise number. Many remained on the boat until it was wrapped in one sheet of flame…Most of the crew were saved; the captain being among the number….” (Huron Reflector, Norwalk, OH. “Burning of the Washington,” June 26, 1838, p. 2, col. 3.)

Sources

Adams Sentinel, Gettysburg, PA. “Awful Catastrophe!,” June 25, 1838, p. 3, col. 2. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com

Alchem Incorporated. Lake Erie Shipwreck Map “D” and Index. Location 168. Accessed 2-5-2021 at: http://www.alcheminc.com/east.html

Berman, Bruce D. Encyclopedia of American Shipwrecks. Boston: Mariners Press Inc., 1972.

Calhoun County Patriot, Marshall, MI. “Terrible Catastrophe!,” 6-22-1838, p. 2. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=120359397

Committee of the Citizens of Cleveland in Relation to Steamboat Disasters on the Western Lakes. Proceedings of a Meeting and Report of a Committee of the Citizens of Cleveland in Relation to Steamboat Disasters on the Western Lakes. Cleveland, OH: Steam Press of Harris, Fairbanks & Co., 1850. Accessed 2-5-2021 at: https://quod.lib.umich.edu/cgi/t/text/pageviewer-idx?c=moa;cc=moa;idno=aec2818.0001.001;seq=1;page=root;view=image;size=s;frm=frameset

Hagerstown Mail. MD. “Steamboat Disasters,” 7-6-1838, p. 2, col. 1. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=35975917

Huron Reflector, Norwalk, OH. “Burning of the Washington,” June 26, 1838, p. 2, col. 3. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=6391728

Lloyd, James T. Lloyd’s Steamboat Directory and Disasters on the Western Waters. Cincinnati, Ohio: James T. Lloyd & Co., 1856. Digitized by Google. Accessed 2-5-2021 at: https://books.google.com/books?id=JlYqAAAAYAAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false

Mansfield, John Brandts (Ed. and Compiler). History of the Great Lakes (Vol. 1). Chicago: J.H. Beers & Co., 1899. Google digitized. Accessed 1-5-2021 at: http://books.google.com/books?id=iHXhAAAAMAAJ&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_v2_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q=&f=false

McNeil, William R. “George Washington (Steamboat), burnt, 16 Jun 1838.” Maritime History of the Great Lakes. Accessed 2-5-2021 at: https://images.maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca/47805/data?n=3

Nash, Jay Robert. Darkest Hours – A Narrative Encyclopedia of Worldwide Disasters from Ancient Times to the Present. New York: Pocket Books, Wallaby, 1977, 792 pages.

Ratigan, William. Great Lakes Shipwrecks & Survivals (New Revised and Enlarged Edition). Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing, 1969.

Simonds, W. E. (Editor). The American Date Book. Kama Publishing Co., 1902, 211 pages. Google digital preview accessed 9-8-2017 at: http://books.google.com/books?id=JuiSjvd5owAC
Swayze, David D. Shipwreck! A Comprehensive Directory of Over 3,700 Shipwrecks on the Great Lakes. Boyne City, MI: Harbor House Publications, Inc., 1992.

Waggoner, Clark. Chapter X, “Lake Marine,” in History of the City of Toledo and Lucas County, Ohio. NY: Munsell & Co., 1888. Accessed 2-5-2021 at: https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uc2.ark:/13960/t3nv9r74q&view=1up&seq=496

Western Historical Co. History of St. Clair County, Michigan. A.T. Andreas & Co., 1883, 790 pages. Digitized by Google. Accessed 2-5-2021 at: https://books.google.com/books?id=77N6AAAAMAAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false

Wiard, Norman. The Cause of Boiler Explosions, etc. Philadelphia: Stein & Jones, 1868, p. 12. Digitized by Google. Accessed 2-5-2021 at: https://books.google.com/books?id=Xj0OAAAAYAAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false