Sinking of the SS Central America (1857)

The SS Central America, a sidewheel steamer known as the Ship of Gold, sank in a hurricane off the coast of North Carolina in September 1857. The disaster resulted in the loss of 425 lives out of 578 passengers and crew, along with significant gold cargo. The vessel had departed from Aspinwall, Panama, bound for New York City under the command of William Lewis Herndon.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. SS Central America was a 280-foot sidewheel steamer operating between Central America and the East Coast of the United States during the 1850s. The ship departed from Aspinwall, now Colón, Panama, on September 3, 1857, carrying 477 passengers and 101 crew members. It was sailing for New York City under the command of William Lewis Herndon.

Disaster. On September 9, 1857, the ship encountered a Category 2 hurricane while off the coast of the Carolinas. The vessel sank in this storm, resulting in the death of 425 of the 578 passengers and crew. The disaster also involved the loss of 30,000 pounds of gold, which contributed to the Panic of 1857.

People involved

Sources

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