Identification & Site Information

• Name: Young America
• Other Names: None
• Official Number: 27515
• Vessel Type at Loss: Wooden propeller-driven Steamer
• Builder: Bidwell & Banta, Buffalo, New York
• Year Built & Launched: 1853
• Specifications:
  • Length: 139 ft (42.4 m) Beam: 26 ft (7.9 m) Depth: 11 ft (3.4 m)
• Tonnage (Old Style) 359 tons
• Date Lost: October 20, 1873 (Other sources suggest September 2, 1873, or September 2, 1874)
• Location of Loss: Near Oak Orchard, New York, Lake Ontario
• Cause of Loss: Storm, engine failure, and grounding
• Loss of Life: None
• Cargo at Time of Loss: 150 passengers

Vessel Description & History

The Young America was a mid-19th century wooden steam propeller built in 1853 by Bidwell & Banta of Buffalo, New York. As part of the Great Lakes passenger and freight transport network, she served under the Northern Transportation Company, a firm known for operating steamboats on Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River.

The vessel underwent major repairs in 1864, which suggests she had already sustained significant wear or damage during her career. Notably, she had previously sunk at Alexandria Bay, New York, in the St. Lawrence River in July 1854, but was salvaged and returned to service.

By the early 1870s, she was still operating as a passenger Steamer, carrying travelers across the Great Lakes.

Final Voyage & Loss

On October 20, 1873, the Young America was caught in a violent storm while sailing on Lake Ontario, carrying 150 passengers. The ship’s propeller became over-revved when lifted out of the water by high waves, a common issue for early steamers in rough conditions. This over-revving damaged her engine, rendering her unable to navigate or fight against the storm’s winds and waves.

Helpless against the storm, the ship was blown ashore approximately two miles west of Yates Pier, near Oak Orchard, New York. While all passengers and crew survived, the vessel sustained severe structural damage from pounding waves and began to break apart on the shoreline.

Attempts to recover the ship failed, and over time, she was completely destroyed by the elements.

Final Disposition

The Young America was Abandoned as a Total Loss, but in 1874, her engine and boiler were salvaged and recovered for possible reuse in another vessel.

Located By & Date Found

There is no known modern discovery of the wreck site, as she was broken apart by waves and weather along the shore.

NOTMARs & Advisories

No known modern navigational hazards related to this vessel exist.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: http://www.maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca
• Great Lakes Maritime Database (GLMD): https://greatlakeships.org
• David Swayze Shipwreck File: https://usace.contentdm.oclc.org
• Great Lakes Vessel Database (BGSU): https://greatlakes.bgsu.edu/vessels

Conclusion

The Young America was a survivor of multiple accidents, including a sinking in 1854 and major repairs in 1864, before ultimately meeting her fate in 1873 near Oak Orchard, New York. Despite the severe storm and mechanical failure, all 150 passengers were safely evacuated, a remarkable outcome for an era when shipwrecks often resulted in loss of life. Though her wreckage was gradually destroyed, her engine and boiler were salvaged, leaving behind little trace of one of Lake Ontario’s early steamers.