Governor R. M. McLane (steamboat) facts for kids
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|} The Governor R. M. McLane was a special steamboat built in 1884. It served the state of Maryland for many years. Its main jobs were to protect Maryland's valuable oyster beds and help map them. It even helped the U.S. Navy during World War I!
It was operated by the Maryland State Oyster Police Force. This group was sometimes called the "Oyster Navy." Later, it became part of the Maryland State Fishery Force.
Contents
| History | |
|---|---|
 United States |
|
| Name | Governor R. M. McLane |
| Namesake | Robert Milligan McLane (1815–1898), Governor of Maryland (1884–1885) |
| Owner | State of Maryland |
| Operator |
|
| Builder | Neafie and Levy, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Completed | 1884 |
| Identification |
|
| Status | As of 2003, resting on harbor bottom, partially submerged, at Baltimore, Maryland |
| Notes | Operated as state police steamboat 1884–1917 and from 1918 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Patrol vessel |
| Tonnage | 144.54 GRT |
| Length | 120 ft (37 m) LOA |
| Beam |
|
| Draft | 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) |
| Depth | 10.5 ft (3.2 m) |
| Propulsion | Steam engine |
| Speed | 13 kn (15 mph; 24 km/h) |
| Armament |
|
Maryland's Oyster Patrol Boat
The Governor R. M. McLane was built in 1884. It was made by Neafie and Levy in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This ship was one of two identical steamers built for the state of Maryland.
It was a steel-hulled steam vessel. It was about 120 feet (37 meters) long. It could travel at a speed of 13 knots (about 15 miles per hour or 24 kilometers per hour).
Protecting Oyster Beds
The steamer was part of Maryland's Oyster Police Force. This force was created in 1868. Its job was to protect the state's oyster industry. They stopped people from illegally dredging for oysters.
Some people, called "oyster pirates," did not follow the rules. This led to conflicts, sometimes called the "oyster wars". These battles involved ships and even small cannons.
The Governor R. M. McLane replaced an older "Oyster Navy" steamer named Leila in 1884. The Leila had a 12-pound cannon. This cannon might have been moved to the Governor R. M. McLane.
In December 1888, the Governor R. M. McLane faced an attack. Pirate boats ambushed it on the Chester River. The steamer fought back by ramming and sinking two pirate boats. It also captured twenty-four pirates.
Mapping Oyster Reefs
Maryland needed to map its natural oyster beds. This was important for managing the oyster industry. The Governor R. M. McLane helped with this survey.
It worked in the larger, more open waters. These areas could be dangerous for smaller boats. The steamer also towed the survey houseboat. It helped the survey team in many ways.
The ship was sometimes loaned to the Shell Fish Commission. This happened during important seasons for research.
In 1916 and 1917, the Governor R. M. McLane hosted important meetings. Maryland and Virginia officials met on board. They discussed rules for fishing in the Potomac River.
By 1917, the steamer was part of the Maryland State Fishery Force. This group was the successor to the Oyster Police Force.
Serving in World War I
When the United States entered World War I, the Navy needed help. They asked Maryland's Conservation Commission to use their boats. These boats would help with local patrols.
The state agreed to let its boats and crew join the United States Naval Reserve. They would still patrol their usual areas. They would enforce both state fishing laws and federal laws. The federal government paid for all expenses.
The Governor R. M. McLane officially joined the Navy on August 6, 1917. It was given the number SP-1328. It served as a patrol craft in the Chesapeake Bay.
It patrolled areas like Baltimore Harbor and the Patuxent River. In November 1918, it was briefly used as a towing boat. It was returned to Maryland on November 30, 1918.
After the War
After World War I, the state wanted to update its fleet. The Governor R. M. McLane was taken out of service in 1919. It needed engine repairs.
On December 3, 1919, a fire almost destroyed the ship. It was docked in Baltimore. The fire burned the ship "to the waterline." Six other vessels were also destroyed.
The state used insurance money to rebuild the ship. The Spedden Shipbuilding Company rebuilt it. The Governor R. M. McLane was back in service by November 1920.
In 1921, the steamer was based in Cambridge, Maryland. It helped plant oyster shells to create new oyster beds. This was important for keeping the natural beds healthy.
The Governor R. M. McLane continued to patrol the Chesapeake Bay. It did inspection work as late as January 1937. It was listed in official records until 1945.
Where is it Now?
As of February 2003, the remains of the Governor R. M. McLane are still in Baltimore. The ship's deckhouse is gone. However, its deck is still visible. It rests partially underwater near the Baltimore Museum of Industry.
Other Maryland Fishery Force Vessels
- Bessie Jones
- Buck
- Daisy Archer
- Dorothy
- Frolic
- Governor R. M. McLane
- Julia Hamilton
- Helen Baughman
- Murray
- Music
- Nellie Jackson
- Nettie
- Severn
- St. Mary's
- Swan
