Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Falling Waters
- Type: Steamer (Sidewheel)
- Year Built: 1873
- Builder: Rochester, NY
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: 37
- Location:
- Official Number: 120183
- Original Owners: Bennett et al.
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
A small wooden sidewheel steamer built in Rochester, NY, intended for light passenger or local cargo use.
Description
Falling Waters was owned by Bennett et al. of Rochester. On January 1, 1874—barely a year into service—she was destroyed by fire. Despite her short career, she represents a class of small, shallow-draft steamers used on inland lakes and rivers in the 19th century.
She remained on record in 1879 still listed under ownership of the same firm, though likely not rebuilt or returned to service.
History
Burned and presumed lost on January 1, 1874.
Significant Incidents
- Destroyed by fire on January 1, 1874.
Final Disposition
Burned and presumed lost on January 1, 1874.
Current Condition & Accessibility
No known discovery or wreck site confirmed.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”falling-waters-us-120183″ title=”References & Links”]
Though brief, the history of Falling Waters highlights the fragility and volatility of early steamboat operations. A rare example of a Rochester-built sidewheeler, her loss underscores fire risk aboard wooden-hulled steamers.
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name(s): Falling Waters
- Official Number: 120183
- Type: Steamer (Sidewheel)
- Built: 1873 at Rochester, NY
- Hull Material: Wood
- Tonnage (Gross): 37
Vessel Type
A small wooden sidewheel steamer built in Rochester, NY, intended for light passenger or local cargo use.
History
Falling Waters was owned by Bennett et al. of Rochester. On January 1, 1874—barely a year into service—she was destroyed by fire. Despite her short career, she represents a class of small, shallow-draft steamers used on inland lakes and rivers in the 19th century.
She remained on record in 1879 still listed under ownership of the same firm, though likely not rebuilt or returned to service.
Final Disposition
Burned and presumed lost on January 1, 1874.
Located By & Date Found
No known discovery or wreck site confirmed.
Notmars & Advisories
None noted.
Resources & Links
- Board of Lake Underwriters Marine Directory
- H. G. Runge Collection, Milwaukee Public Library
- Steamboat Era in the Muskokas by Richard Tatley
Conclusion
Though brief, the history of Falling Waters highlights the fragility and volatility of early steamboat operations. A rare example of a Rochester-built sidewheeler, her loss underscores fire risk aboard wooden-hulled steamers.
Keywords, Categories, Glossary Terms
Falling Waters, sidewheel steamer, wooden hull, fire loss, Rochester NY, inland steamer, Lake Ontario
falling-waters-us-120183 2025-09-11 15:42:00