Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Ossahinta
- Type: Wooden steamboat
- Year Built: 1887
- Builder: Alonzo Springstead, Geneva, New York
- Dimensions: Length: 68 ft (20.7 m); Beam: 11.25 ft (3.4 m); Depth of hold:
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Skaneateles Lake
- Original Owners: Samuel Allen and William Grime (initial), Auburn and Syracuse Electric Railroad (1905-1909)
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Ossahinta was a wooden steamboat designed for passenger and freight transport on Skaneateles Lake.
Description
Built in 1887, the Ossahinta was 68 feet long and featured a 30 HP single-cylinder vertical engine and a Clyde pattern boiler. It was constructed by Alonzo Springstead and designed by the Bowdish Boat Company.
History
Early Years (1887–1905)
The Ossahinta was launched on June 28, 1887, to compete with the successful steamboat Glen Haven. Captain George Cady commanded the vessel, which provided essential transportation services on Skaneateles Lake.
Auburn and Syracuse Electric Railroad Ownership (1905–1909)
In 1905, the Ossahinta was sold to the Auburn and Syracuse Electric Railroad, continuing its service on the lake.
Later Years and Neglect (1909–1914)
After being repaired in 1909, the vessel fell into neglect due to competition from railroads and automobiles. It was abandoned after 1914, burned to the waterline, and sank.
Significant Incidents
- 1905: Sold to Auburn and Syracuse Electric Railroad.
- 1909: Hauled out for repairs at Ten Mile Point.
- After 1914: Abandoned, burned, and sank.
Final Disposition
The Ossahinta sank after being abandoned and burned, a common practice for obsolete wooden vessels at the time.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck site likely has minimal remains due to the burning of the hull and the effects of time. It remains a point of interest for research into 19th-century steamboat construction.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”ossahinta-1887″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
The Ossahinta played a significant role in the history of Skaneateles Lake, reflecting the transition from steamboat travel to modern transportation systems. Its legacy continues to be a part of the cultural identity of the area.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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