Shipwreck Report: Steamboat Ossahinta (1887)

Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: Ossahinta
• Year Built and Launched: 1887, launched on June 28, 1887
• Vessel Type: Wooden Steamboat
• Builder: Alonzo Springstead, Geneva, New York
• Designer: Bowdish Boat Company, Skaneateles, New York
• Specifications  Length: 68 feet (20.7 metres)  Beam: 11.25 feet (3.4 metres)
• Engine: 30 HP single-cylinder vertical engine
• Boiler Type: Clyde pattern boiler

History and Operational Use

Early Years (1887–1905)

The Ossahinta was built in response to the success of the Steamboat Glen Haven, which had been operating on Skaneateles Lake since 1876. The vessel was created to rival Glen Haven under the new Steamboat company formed by Samuel Allen and William Grime.

Captain: From its launch in 1887 to 1905, the Ossahinta was commanded by Captain George Cady, who oversaw its operations as a passenger and freight Steamer. The Steamboat served Skaneateles Lake, providing crucial transportation services for goods and passengers, particularly during the summer tourism season.

Auburn and Syracuse Electric Railroad Ownership (1905–1909)

In 1905, the Ossahinta was sold to the Auburn and Syracuse Electric Railroad, which also operated the Glen Haven and City of Syracuse. This transfer marked its integration into a broader transportation network, with the Steamboat continuing regular service on Skaneateles Lake.

Later Years and Neglect (1909–1914)

The vessel was hauled out for repairs at Ten Mile Point in 1909, but following this, it fell into neglect.  Competition from railroads, automobiles, and evolving technology reduced the demand for small steamboats like the Ossahinta. After 1914, the vessel was Abandoned, and due to years of disuse, it was burned to the waterline and sank, marking the end of its operational life.

Final Disposition

• Final Location: Skaneateles Lake
• Date of Loss: After 1914
• Cause: The Ossahinta was Abandoned, burned, and sank. The decision to scuttle and burn aging steamboats was a common practice at the time to dispose of obsolete wooden vessels.

Significance and Legacy

Role in Skaneateles Lake History The Ossahinta represents the peak of Steamboat transportation on Skaneateles Lake, offering a glimpse into the era when steamboats dominated inland waterways for both leisure and commerce.

Symbol of Tourism and Transportation  The Ossahinta and its contemporaries, such as the Glen Haven, were integral to the growth of the lake’s tourism industry, connecting local resorts, cottages, and towns.

Decline of Steamboat Era The eventual abandonment of the Ossahinta illustrates the transition away from Steamboat travel to modern transportation systems, such as railroads and motorized vehicles.

Wreck Site Potential

• Condition: Likely minimal remains due to the burning of the Hull prior to sinking and the degrading effects of time.
• Research Interest: As one of the last steamboats on Skaneateles Lake, the Ossahinta’s wreck could provide insights into 19th-century Steamboat construction and the history of lake transportation.

Resources and Further Exploration

• Skaneateles Historical Society  https://skaneateleshistoricalsociety.org Holds archives and records about steamboats and early tourism on Skaneateles Lake.
• Finger Lakes Boating Museum May contain exhibits and information on steamboats like the Ossahinta and their role in Finger Lakes history.
• Local Archives  Newspaper accounts from the late 19th and early 20th centuries might provide additional details about the vessel’s operations and abandonment.
• Lake Surveys and Diving  Exploration of Skaneateles Lake could reveal potential remains or artifacts from the Ossahinta’s wreck.(www.sonarguy.com)
• Wikipedia – Auburn and Syracuse Electric Railroad Skaneateles Lake Genova
• Carris Photogrammetry
• Syracuse.com – Article
• WordPress – Blog on Skaneateles

Ossahinta – Skaneateles Lake by Carris Photogrammetry on Sketchfab

Conclusion

The Ossahinta was a defining feature of Skaneateles Lake’s Steamboat era, serving as a vital link for commerce and leisure in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its history reflects the broader narrative of technological progress and the eventual decline of small passenger steamers. While the vessel itself is long gone, its legacy remains a part of the cultural and historical identity of Skaneateles Lake.

Youtube – syracuse.com