Henry Clay (steamboat) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids History
United States
Name	Henry Clay
Namesake	Henry Clay
Owner	Thomas Collyer, William Radford, & John Tallman
Route	New York City – Albany
Builder	Thomas Collyer, New York City
Launched	August 1851
Fate	Caught fire and destroyed, July 28, 1852
General characteristics
Type	Side-wheel paddle steamer
Length	198 ft (60 m)
Propulsion	Walking beam steam engine
Capacity	500 passengers

The Henry Clay was an American steamboat built in 1851. It was a side paddle wheel ship, meaning it had large wheels on its sides to move through the water. On July 28, 1852, the Henry Clay caught fire while traveling on the Hudson River between Albany, New York and New York City.

This terrible event happened near Riverdale, in The Bronx, New York. Nearly 50 of the more than 500 passengers on board died. It became known as the worst steamboat disaster on the Hudson River.

The Henry Clay often competed with other steamboats and the Hudson River Railroad. This railroad had just finished its tracks along the river's east shore by 1851. On the day of the fire, the Henry Clay was racing another steamboat. This was a common practice back then, as people believed it would attract more passengers. Even though many people were on board, there were only two lifeboats, which were not helpful during the emergency.

Many of the victims came from well-known families. This led to a lot of news coverage about the disaster. One of the people who died was Stephen Allen, a former mayor of New York City. After the fire, several investigations and a public trial were held. Even with all the media attention, the ship's owner and officers were found not guilty. However, the New York State Legislature quickly passed a law to stop steamboat racing on the Hudson. Also, the U.S. Congress, which hadn't wanted to control steamboats before, was pressured by the public to create new, stronger laws.

Building the Henry Clay

The Henry Clay was built by Thomas Collyer in 1851. We know it was 198 feet long. It also had a special type of engine called a walking beam engine. The ship also featured a promenade deck that ran its entire length, which was a popular feature for passengers.

Thomas Collyer owned most of the ship. William Radford owned a smaller part, and Captain John Tallman owned the rest. Captain Tallman was the captain during the fire. The Henry Clay traveled on different routes along the Hudson River, going between Albany and New York City.

The Day of the Fire

On July 28, 1852, the Henry Clay left Albany along with another steamboat called the Armenia. The Armenia was also built by Thomas Collyer and was led by Captain Isaac Smith. According to Allynne Lange, a curator at the Hudson River Maritime Museum, steamboat racing was very common. Captains believed that the fastest boat would get the most passengers.

As the Henry Clay passed Yonkers, New York, a fire broke out. It was shortly before 3:00 pm. The fire started in the engine room and quickly spread through the middle of the ship. Edward Hubbard, the pilot, was an experienced seaman. He quickly turned the burning ship towards the east. He wanted to travel the one mile to reach the shore.

Hubbard crashed the front of the boat onto the sands at Riverdale, New York. He hoped this would help save his passengers. People near the front of the ship were able to jump safely onto the shore. However, passengers behind the fire were still in deep water and could not escape. Many people could not swim. They drowned because their heavy clothes pulled them down, or because others trying to save themselves pulled them under. Some people who stayed on the boat died in the fire.

After the Disaster: Investigations and New Laws

After the fire, investigations were held in Yonkers, New York. More investigations took place in Manhattanville, New York, and Fort Lee and Hoboken, New Jersey. This was because some bodies were found in those towns. Survivors and family members were asked to identify the victims and share what they saw.

As more details came out, people and politicians became very upset. Newspapers also wrote strong articles about the disaster. The investigation panel made serious accusations against the officers of the Henry Clay and its owner, Thomas Collyer.

More than a year later, a trial began in New York City. The federal government took over the case because it involved national waterways. Since there was no proof that the officers planned the fire, the serious accusations were changed to a lesser charge.

Newspapers covered the trial every day for two weeks. They discussed many things, like who was in charge on the steamboat. They also talked about why there were only two lifeboats. Other questions included whether there were enough water buckets for a fire, if the boat was too crowded, and if the Henry Clay had caught fire before. People also wondered if the boiler's safety valves were tied down to make the ship go faster. The trial decided that while racing had happened, it was much farther upriver from where the fire started.

Another question was about pilot Hubbard's decision to crash the boat bow first instead of pulling up alongside the shore. Witnesses at the trial said that Hubbard's action was correct and saved lives.

Even though the media caused a lot of public anger, all the officers and the owner were found not guilty. However, the New York State Legislature soon passed a law. This law made steamboat racing on the Hudson River illegal.

New Rules for Steamboats

The public's strong reactions across the country made the U.S. Congress take action. Just one month after the disaster, Congress passed the Steamboat Act of 1852. This new law created stricter rules for how steamboats should operate. It also required steamboats to be inspected regularly. Pilots and engineers now needed licenses to do their jobs. These responsibilities were given to the Steamboat Inspection Service. Later, these duties became part of what the U.S. Coast Guard does today.