Yosemite (sidewheeler) facts for kids
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Yosemite, sometime before 1895
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Quick facts for kids History |
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| Name | Yosemite |
| Builder | John Gunder North, in San Francisco |
| Launched | 1862 |
| Fate | Wrecked on July 9, 1909 at Port Orchard Narrows |
| General characteristics | |
The steamboat Yosemite was a famous ship that sailed for almost 50 years. She traveled on San Francisco Bay, the Sacramento River, and other waters in British Columbia and Puget Sound.
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Contents
Building a Giant Steamboat: Yosemite Design
The Yosemite was built in 1862 in San Francisco by John Gunder North. She was a huge ship, especially since she was made entirely of wood.
After some repairs in 1865, the Yosemite was about 282 feet long. Her main body was 35 feet wide, but with the paddle wheels, she was about 80 feet wide! She had a large steam engine that powered her huge paddle wheels. These wheels were 32 feet across, with wooden "buckets" (like paddles) that were 10 feet long.
A famous historian named Turner described Yosemite as a beautiful ship. She had wide decks and plenty of space for cabins and dining. She was also very powerful and fast.
Early Journeys: Service in California
The Yosemite started her service in 1863 with the California Steam Navigation Company. She sailed daily from San Francisco to Sacramento.
In 1865, an accident happened when her boiler had a problem. The ship was repaired and received new boilers in 1876. After this, she could travel at a speed of about 17 miles per hour (27 km/h). Later, due to competition from railroads, Yosemite was stored in Oakland for a few years.
In 1883, John Irving, who was in charge of the Canadian Pacific Navigation Company, bought Yosemite. He brought her to Vancouver to be one of the first ships in his company.
Sailing in Canada: Yosemite's Canadian Adventures
Yosemite was a great purchase for Commodore Irving. She sailed in Canadian waters for many years without major problems. In 1883, she set a speed record! She traveled from Vancouver to Victoria (about 72 nautical miles or 133 km) in just four hours and 20 minutes. This record stood until 1901.
Sometimes, ships had to stop for health checks, especially for diseases like smallpox. In 1892, Yosemite was stopped twice at Vancouver. Officials would not let passengers from Victoria land. Each time, the ship simply landed them further up Burrard Inlet. It took a court decision to allow Yosemite to land in Vancouver again.
Joining the Canadian Pacific Railway Fleet
In 1901, the Canadian Pacific Railway bought all the ships and operations of the Canadian Pacific Navigation Company. This included Yosemite. By this time, Yosemite was nearly 40 years old. She was kept as a backup ship to help when newer ships needed repairs or during busy times like summer.
Fun Trips: Puget Sound Excursion Lines
In 1906, the Canadian Pacific Railway sold Yosemite to the Puget Sound Excursion Company. This company was started by Captain Thomas Grant to offer cruises and fun trips from Seattle. These trips were popular, especially for the Alaska–Yukon–Pacific Exposition.
Once in Seattle, Yosemite was updated. Her main deck was made larger, and a big dancing area was added.
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By spring 1907, Yosemite was sailing under Captain Grant. She could carry up to 1,000 passengers at a time from Seattle to Bremerton and around Bainbridge Island. There was often music and food service on board.
Many old photos show a huge number of people on her decks. In 1908, Yosemite carried almost all the students from the University of Washington. They went out into Puget Sound to see the Great White Fleet. The ship leaned quite a bit to one side because of all the people!
Sometimes, boxing matches were held on her lower deck. On July 20, 1907 or 1908, Yosemite also advertised a "Grand Temperance Excursion." Tickets were $1.00, and the trip explored the beautiful spots of Puget Sound.
In one unusual event in August 1907, Yosemite bumped into a dock in Seattle. She knocked over a horse and wagon! She might be the only paddlewheeler to ever hit a harnessed horse.
The Final Journey: Yosemite Wrecked
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The Yosemite was wrecked on July 9, 1909, at Port Orchard Narrows. It happened in broad daylight. As she was sailing towards Bremerton, she suddenly turned sharply towards the shore. She hit the ground, and her main structure was damaged beyond repair.
Even though there were over 1,000 people on board, no one was hurt or drowned. Passengers and crew were safely taken off the ship by other steamboats that quickly arrived to help.
