Julia Hamilton (schooner) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids History |
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|---|---|
 United States |
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| Name | Julia Hamilton |
| Namesake | Possibly for daughter of William Thomas Hamilton, Maryland's governor 1880 to 1884. |
| Owner | Maryland Conservation Commission |
| Operator |
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| Fate | Sold 1918 by Maryland Conservation Commission for $350.00 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Patrol vessel |
| Length | 55 ft (17 m) |
| Beam | 16 ft (4.9 m) |
| Draft | 4 ft 6 in (1.37 m) |
| Complement | 3 |
| Armament | Six pounder gun (Oyster Police Force) |
The Julia Hamilton was a special kind of boat called a schooner. It was part of Maryland's "Oyster Navy." This group of boats helped protect the state's valuable oyster beds. Oysters were a big deal in Maryland, and people from other states were sometimes taking too many. This led to conflicts known as the Oyster Wars.
Later, the Oyster Navy became the Maryland State Fishery Force. The Julia Hamilton continued its work with this new group. During World War I, the ship and its crew even joined the United States Naval Reserve. They helped patrol the waters for both state and federal laws. After the war, the state updated its fleet. They sold older sailing ships like the Julia Hamilton and bought newer motorboats. Today, this force is part of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Police.
Contents
A Police Boat's Adventures
The exact start of the Julia Hamilton's story isn't fully known. But we know it was an important police boat by 1884. It was even shown in a famous magazine called Harper's Weekly. The drawing showed "oyster pirates" attacking the Julia Hamilton.
Fighting Oyster Pirates
In February 1884, about 100 oyster pirates were illegally dredging. Captain John Insley of the Julia Hamilton tried to stop them. But the pirates fired back! They shot at the schooner's ropes and forced the police crew below deck. Even though the police fired their six-pounder gun, the pirates boarded the ship.
A truce was called when one pirate was killed. Captain Insley agreed to leave. Some people later called him a coward for this. But local citizens asked Governor Robert McLane for help. So, another ship, the William T. Hamilton, got weapons. The Julia Hamilton was also fixed up and armed again. Both ships were then sent to protect the oyster beds.
The oyster wars continued with more state forces joining the fight. In 1888, the Julia Hamilton found pirates on oyster beds during a foggy morning. Captain Tyler told them to leave. They disappeared in the fog but then came back. The police schooner attacked them. The fight lasted several hours, with the police firing over 600 shots! The pirates were defeated. One was shot in the arm, and their boats were full of holes. Other police ships, like the steamer Governor R. M. McLane, arrived to help. Five pirate dredging schooners were captured. Their captains escaped, but the boats were towed to Cambridge, Maryland.
A Brave Crew Member
Sadly, the first Maryland conservation officer to die in the line of duty was on the Julia Hamilton. On September 17, 1893, Josiah Bromwell was a mate on the ship. He was swept overboard in rough waters. This happened in the Little Choptank River, and he drowned.
Serving in World War I
When the United States entered World War I, the Navy asked for help. They wanted the Conservation Commission's boats to patrol local waters. The state government agreed. The boats and men of the state force became part of the U.S. Naval Reserve. They would still patrol their usual areas to enforce fishing laws. But they would also help with federal duties. The best part was that the federal government would pay for everything!
Starting in August 1917, the Maryland State Fishery Force boats worked for the United States Navy. They were Squadron Number 8 of the 5th Naval District. They patrolled their regular areas, making sure both state and federal laws were followed. A member of the Conservation Commission, who was also a Navy Lieutenant, was in charge. The federal government paid for all wages, supplies, and repairs.
The Julia Hamilton began its service with the Navy, known as SP-1460. The Navy released all the vessels and men on March 28, 1918. After that, the Conservation Commission took full responsibility for them again.
End of an Era
In 1918, the Commission started to replace its older sailing ships. They wanted new boats with motors. They bought two new boats, the Kent and the Talbot. They also bought the Severn.
The schooners Julia Hamilton, Helen Baughman, Bessie Jones, and Anna B. Smith were all retired. They were sold, along with a motorized schooner called Daisy Archer. The Julia Hamilton was sold for $350.00.
Other Maryland Fishery Force Vessels
Here are some other boats that were part of the Maryland Fishery Force:
