Other Names #
- CAROLINA – 1822
The Burning of the Steamer CAROLINE #
In the annals of history, certain events capture the imagination and leave an indelible mark on the collective memory of a nation. The burning of the sidewheel steamer Caroline in 1837 is one such event. This in-depth article delves into the story of the Caroline, a commercial vessel turned military transport, and examines the circumstances surrounding its destruction at Niagara Falls. The incident not only resulted in loss of life but also ignited a heated and prolonged dispute between the United States and Canada, revealing the deep-seated animosity that existed along the northeastern frontier. Through a thorough examination of historical records and accounts, this article sheds light on the complex factors that contributed to the burning of the Caroline and its far-reaching consequence
The Caroline, initially known as the Carolina, was a sidewheel steamer constructed in 1822. While some sources attribute its build location to New York City, others suggest Charleston, South Carolina, or Ogdensburg, New York. Owned by Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt of New York, the wood-hulled vessel measured 71 feet in length, 21 feet in width, and had a depth of 6 feet, weighing approximately 46 tons. Powered by a crosshead engine with a single cylinder and a single boiler, the Caroline featured 16-foot sidewheels. These specifications made the steamer well-suited for its intended commercial purposes.
Transformation into a Military Vessel #
In 1835, the Caroline arrived on the Great Lakes and entered commercial service. However, as tensions simmered between Canada and rebel forces seeking independence, the Caroline found itself caught in the middle. In late 1837, the steamer was chartered to transport arms and munitions to Navy Island, situated near Buffalo, New York, where Canadian rebels were based. On the night of December 29, 1837, the Caroline’s fate took an unexpected turn when it was commandeered by around 60 Canadian rebels led by a Royal Navy officer. What followed was a violent clash that would reverberate across the region.
The takeover of the Caroline at Schlosser on the Niagara River was a chaotic and bloody affair. As the Royal Navy officer and his rebels seized control, a fight broke out between the rebels and the American crew. The vessel was set ablaze, and as the flames consumed the ship, it was abandoned and left to drift downstream. Conflicting accounts exist regarding whether the Caroline went over Niagara Falls or burned to the waterline before sinking. Nevertheless, the incident had a profound impact on both sides of the border.
The burning of the Caroline caused an immediate uproar, with reports of casualties and hostilities reaching the public. The attack and destruction of an American vessel on American soil by Canadian rebels, allegedly supported by British authorities, outraged the American public. In response, U.S. officials demanded answers and sought reparations from the British government. Diplomatic tensions escalated, and the incident became a focal point of a broader dispute between the United States and Britain.
The burning of the Caroline raised complex legal and political questions. The incident challenged the traditional concept of territorial sovereignty and tested the limits of self-defense. Scholars and policymakers grappled with the legality of preemptive strikes and the use of force against non-state actors. The Caroline affair set a precedent for debates on international law that continue to resonate to this day.
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