SS Central America
SS Central America, known as the Ship of Gold, was a 280-foot (85 m) sidewheel steamer that operated between Central America and the eastern coast of the United States during the 1850s. She was originally named the SS George Law, after Mr. George Law of New York. The ship sank in a hurricane in September 1857, along with more than 420 passengers and crew and 30,000 pounds (14,000 kg) of gold, contributing to the Panic of 1857.
Sinking
On 3 September 1857, 477 passengers and 101 crew left the Panamanian port of Colón, sailing for New York City under the command of William Lewis Herndon. The ship was heavily laden with 10 short tons (9.1 t) of gold prospected during the California Gold Rush. After a stop in Havana, the ship continued north.
On 9 September 1857, the ship was caught up in a Category 2 hurricane while off the coast of the Carolinas. By 11 September, the 105 mph (165 km/h) winds and heavy seas had shredded its sails, she was taking on water, and her boiler was threatening to go out. A leak in one of the seals between the paddle wheel shafts and the ship's sides sealed its fate, and, at noon that day, her boiler could no longer maintain fire. Steam pressure dropped, shutting down both the pumps that had been keeping the water at bay and the paddle wheels that kept her pointed into the wind as the ship settled by the stern. The passengers and crew flew the ship's flag upside down (a sign of distress in the United States) to try to signal a passing ship. No one came.
Podcasts:
-
by Clutch
Ship Of Gold
by: Clutch(Fallon, Gaster, Maines, Sult)
Tin shacks and catfish bones have been about all I've ever known.
The junebugs rattle and roll all around the old maypole.
Thunder and lightning, the catfish are biting.
I took a river boat downstream. I think you know what I mean.
The chicken hawks they are gathering. Above my head they are circling.
Old friends coming out visiting say hi and talk about collecting.
Stray dogs won't come near me. Was blind, now I see clearly.
Believe I'm fixing to die. When you're living in the country it's, "why, oh
why?"
Oh, I'm sorry that I left my home. Oh. Oh. Oh.
Oh, I'm sorry that I left my home. Oh. Oh. Oh.
Look over yonder there on the farther shore, on the farther shore.
Look over yonder there. I see a ship of gold, I see a ship of gold.
Beyond that mountain there I see a Citty-on-a-Hille.
Its gates are open wide. I hear the ringing bells.
Look over yonder there on toward the burying ground.
Poor boy is all a fire. Poor boy is dead and gone. Oh, poor boy is dead and
gone.
One of these days the Ship of Gold will carry me to my reward.
Out of this world it will take me to hear the horns of Jubilee.
Pig fat and old pork rinds ain't enough to keep a man alive.
The bullfrog sleeps all day. Come night he has his say.
Believe I'm fixing to die. Believe I'll take my rest.
Believe I'm fixing to die. Believe I'll take my rest.
Oh, I'm sorry that I left my home. Oh. Oh. Oh.