Governor Cushman (1857)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Governor Cushman
• Type: Wooden Side-Wheel Propeller Steamer
• Year Built: 1857
• Builder: Luther Moses
• Dimensions: Approximately 152 ft (46.33 m); Beam; Depth of hold
• Registered Tonnage:
• Location: Buffalo Harbor, New York

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Wooden side-wheel propeller steamer, designed for passenger and package freight.

Description

The Governor Cushman was a 152-foot wooden side-wheeler built in 1857 in Cleveland, Ohio. It was primarily used for transporting passengers and freight between Buffalo and Port Colborne on Lake Erie.

History

The vessel was constructed by Luther Moses and was operational for over a decade before its tragic end. It was known for its service on the busy route between Buffalo and Port Colborne, contributing to the transportation needs of the region.

Significant Incidents

• Date & Location: Night of May 1, 1868, in Buffalo Harbor.
• Event: Suffered a catastrophic boiler explosion while preparing to depart for Port Colborne, Ontario.
• Casualties: Eleven people killed, multiple others injured.
• Outcome: Vessel was destroyed by the blast and sank at her moorings. Her wreckage was removed during harbor dredging in 1901.

Final Disposition

The Governor Cushman was obliterated by the explosion, resulting in the loss of eleven lives. The wreck remained in Buffalo Harbor until it was cleared away in 1901 during dredging operations.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck of the Governor Cushman is no longer present, as it was removed in 1901. However, the incident remains a significant part of local maritime history.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”governor-cushman-1857″ title=”References & Links”]

The story of the Governor Cushman serves as a reminder of the dangers associated with steam-powered vessels in the 19th century and highlights the importance of safety regulations in maritime operations.