Step back in time to the year 1852, a time when the majestic CITY OF OSWEGO was born in the bustling city of Buffalo, NY. This grand vessel was a propeller-driven beauty, standing tall with two decks and crafted with sturdy wood by the skilled hands of George S. Weeks.
As she made her maiden voyage, the CITY OF OSWEGO was proudly owned by Dwight C. Bancroft, a prominent figure hailing from the city of Oswego, NY. Her purpose was to navigate the waters with grace and efficiency, serving as a symbol of maritime progress and prosperity.
The propeller-driven CITY OF OSWEGO was equipped with a single mast and powered by a single cylinder, driving her forward with the aid of a single boiler. Her engineering and design were a testament to the technological advancements of the era.
With her stately presence, the CITY OF OSWEGO measured an impressive length of 138 feet, accompanied by a beam of 24.8 feet and a depth of 11.2 feet. Her substantial size earned her a tonnage of 357, according to the old-style measurement standards.
Unfortunately, the CITY OF OSWEGO’s journey was met with tragedy on July 11, 1852, when she collided with the steamer AMERICA off Chagrin River, OH. The impact was devastating, leading to her sinking and tragically claiming the lives of 15 to 16 souls.
Despite the calamity, the story of the CITY OF OSWEGO didn’t end there. Her resilient spirit was brought back to the surface when she was raised from the depths on July 31, 1852. The vessel was given a second chance, as she was purchased by a group of visionary individuals hailing from Milan, OH, known as Gay et al.
The CITY OF OSWEGO’s fate took an unexpected turn when she was eventually sold to Canada. Her final chapters might remain veiled in history, but her legacy continues to resonate, reminding us of the brave souls who traversed the Great Lakes and the tales of triumph and tragedy that still echo through the waves.
As we honor the memory of this remarkable propeller-driven vessel, let us never forget the contributions of those who once sailed her decks, and the impact she made during the maritime era of the mid-19th century.
