Tyger (ship) facts for kids
| History | |
|---|---|
| Fate | Burned November 1613 |
| General characteristics | |
| Length | 80 ft (24 m) |
| Crew | 18 men |
| Armament | 6 or 8 1,500/1,600-pound cannons |
The Tyger (which means Tiger in Dutch) was a ship used by a Dutch captain named Adriaen Block. In 1613, he sailed it to explore the East Coast of North America. This area includes the Hudson River today. Parts of the Tyger were found in 1916. This happened during the building of the New York City Subway. The discovery site is now part of the World Trade Center complex.
Contents
The Tyger's Story
In the late summer of 1613, the Tyger was docked in Lower Manhattan. It was on the Hudson River. The crew traded with the Lenape Native Americans. Another ship, the Fortuyn, joined them.
By November, the Tyger was full of animal furs. These included beaver and otter skins. The crew had gotten them through trading.
A Fire on Board
One day in November, a fire started by accident. The Tyger quickly burned down to the water. The burnt bottom of the ship was left on the shore. This spot is now near Greenwich and Dey Streets in Lower Manhattan.
During the fire, the crew saved some items. They managed to rescue sails, ropes, tools, and other parts.
Building a New Ship
Over the winter, Captain Block and his crew worked hard. They likely got help from the Native Americans. They built a new ship called Onrust. This name means Restless.
They used the Onrust to explore new areas. They sailed through the East River and Long Island Sound. In 1614, they returned to Europe.
Finding the Tyger Again
In 1916, workers found parts of the Tyger. They were digging for a new subway line. This was near Greenwich and Dey Streets in New York City.
How It Was Found
The ship's front part (prow) and bottom beam (keel) were discovered. They were about 20 feet (6 meters) below the street. This was exactly where the ship had been left on the shore.
Over 150 years, about 11 feet (3.3 meters) of mud built up. Then, in 1763, more land was added to the waterfront. This added another 8 to 9 feet (2.4 to 2.7 meters) of dirt.
Saving the Ship's Pieces
The construction crew was in a hurry. But the foreman, James A. Kelly, convinced his bosses to let them dig carefully. They saved about 8.5 feet (2.6 meters) of the prow and keel. They also saved three of the ship's ribs.
These wooden pieces were first put in a special tank. This was at the New York Aquarium in Battery Park. Later, in 1943, they were given to the Museum of the City of New York. They are now shown in the Marine Gallery.
More to Discover?
The rest of the Tyger might still be underground. It could be about 20 feet (6 meters) deep. This spot is east of where the North Tower of the World Trade Center once stood. However, it's possible it was dug up when the World Trade Center was built.
The Tyger might not be the only ship that sank at this location. Other shipwrecks might also be hidden there.
