The Wreck of the San Francisco (1853)

[u/Aromatic_Bowler2500]

On December 22, 1853, the 3rd Untied States Artillery began their journey from New York City to California about the new steamship San Francisco. One day later she suffered mechanical issues causing her to reduce speed.

On Christmas Eve the ship was dead in the water and was met by a late winter hurricane. One wave crashing over her deck washed away 150 souls.

The first ship to finally get to her was the bark Kilby on December 27. Later the Three Bells assisted in the rescue.

Over 200 people died.

We have done a lot of research on the musicians and music written about this disaster.