The Wreck of the Steamboat "SWALLOW" (Hudson River, 1845)

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After departing Albany en route for Manhattan, in the thick of a snowstorm on the evening of April 7, 1845, the steamboat "Swallow" crashed onto the rocks near the towns of Athens, Hudson, and Lunenburg, New York. With rescue efforts from the locals, as well as the steamboats Rochester and Express, the Swallow quickly foundered with the loss of either 15 or 23 souls.
0:00 - Intro, and About the Swallow
1:19 - Competition and the Swallow's Running Mate
2:10 - Stormy Voyage
5:10 - The Wreck of the Swallow
10:53 - The Aftermath
13:30 - Comparisons
Links:
Billy Shannon's wreck survey article:
hudsonriverzeitgeist.com/home/...
The Wreck of the Steamboat "Swallow" by Andrew Amelinckx:
hudsonriverzeitgeist.com/home/...
An excellent collection of first-hand accounts and newspaper clipping relating to the "Swallow":
johnmaynard.net/Swallow.html
The Hudson River Maritime Museum: www.hrmm.org/
NOTE: The music credit at the end of this video is incorrect; the following is the actual music credit:
"Once in a Decade"
by Martin Klem
"The Rose and the Thorn"
by Johanne Bornlof
"Prestige" and "Virtuosity"
by Howard Harper-Barns
"Unspoken"
by Silver Maple

[@arnepianocanada]

Your speech is dignified, paced and pronounced clearly enough that 2nd-language learners could gain from it. Thank you for this superb research and presentation.

[@pickles3128]

It's so crazy how spotty the records of these steamboat sinkings are. I live right on the Missouri, and while one wreck is recorded in my local history section at the library, I have seen another smokestack when the river was very low that I could find NO record of. Unfortunately I am not sure when the river will ever get that low again or if it will still be standing when it is.

[@phatbackbeat6553]

What town ? I grew up in Webster Groves.

[@pickles3128]

@@phatbackbeat6553 St Charles. Right near the old courthouse.

[@phatbackbeat6553]

@@pickles3128 I know right where that is !

[@that_oneguy_yt6329]

@@phatbackbeat6553 never thought i'd see someone else from webster out in the wild like this, wow

[@pickles3128]

@@phatbackbeat6553 Actually if you go to my videos and watch my video of ice flowing down the Missouri on a warm winter day, that spot off the Katy (where they have the Flood of '93 marker) is where one of the smokestacks of an unknown wreck was visible to me back in middle school.

[@ShadowXII]

Imagine being a young woman, trapped in a pitch-black, rapidly flooding with icy water, tilted room, in abject terror seconds from death, when the damn ceiling opens and a madman with an axe is your savior.

[@CrusaderSports250]

A different view on "here's Johnny" 😊.

[@historytank5673]

@@CrusaderSports250 lol, “Here’s Johnny! … What are you waiting for?! Grab my hand!

[@fastinradfordable]

Imagine someone thinking the person who was saving their life was ‘madman’ #sexism

[@historytank5673]

@Wasteland Gypsy ya you’d think the human brain would of evolved a way to keep on going. Also tho, shock is a thing and I am gussing you’d not expedt a man with an axe to come crashing through the roof to save you

[@CrusaderSports250]

@Wasteland Gypsy its where people feel safe even if they are not, and people freeze because the situation gets beyond their capacity to evaluate, it depends on the individual and the situation as to how long that would last, this is where constant training comes in as it gives you a framework to fall back on and a course of action to take.

[@Project_Prescott]

6:20 nobody that man: *Aight ima head out*

[@jeffrey.a.hanson]

Growing up on the Hudson, it’s a very difficult river to navigate as many areas are incredibly tight and shallow. It’s very noticeable when you take a bridge over certain areas and look out into this vast wide open, while also seeing many pockets of hidden shallow water.

[@nilanjanmoitra4249]

I'm not uttering a lie but I was actually thinking of the foundering of the SS Atlantic after watching the events that happened with this steamboat Swallow. What's more is that the cruise ship Costa Concordia which sank in 2012, also misjudged its position and went closer to the shore hitting a rock...it's so painful to see passengers finding themselves in the midst of life & death battle out of nowhere because someone else made a commutation/steering error :( Great video btw!!! Love from India :)

[@jeffcampbell1555]

Love this almost as much as your SS Atlantic doc. The Hudson and the Erie Canal were so important in our 19th century development, and the river is rich with stories for you. Good job, Tom and Emma! Thanks.

[@PartTimeExplorer]

Thank you, Jeff! Next week and the week after will also feature maritime tales from the Hudson.

[@thebonesaw..4634]

@@PartTimeExplorer -- When you get the chance, I'd love to see you cover the Sultana.

[@michealtaylor7745]

So many ship stories from the Hudson, & so ships many that took so many lives, or should I say 'Souls? :)

[@Quasihamster]

Schwalbe... swallow... Lunenburg... signs and synchronicities everywhere these days. :)

[@Ulyssestnt]

"These days" is stretching it a tiny teensy bit don't you think?

[@Quasihamster]

@@Ulyssestnt Not in the slightest. You don't know my life lately. Already started taking photos of that stuff to make sure I'm not halucinating, developing psychosis or what. Ngl it's getting scary at times.

[@Ulyssestnt]

@@Quasihamster Hope your ok.

[@Quasihamster]

​@@Ulyssestnt I hope so too lol.

[@Neverisforever]

Recently I just got a truck job that goes from Portland Maine to Newburgh NY and back each night. I loved learning about the steamboats. I think about it every time I go over the Hudson River each night.

[@DerpyPossum]

that comparison between the Swallow and the Schwalbe really was surprising. excellent video as always! 👍

[@bravofighter]

Valatie is pronounced “Valayshia”. EXCELLENT PRESENTATION!!!! Also, Swallow Rock is currently for sale. The property consists of an auto repair shop, a defunct deli and bakery, and some dockage. The site is VERY MUCH not developed to anywhere near it’s potential, and they’re asking an awful lot for it, but I’m sure at this point there is room for negotiation. There is a memorial plaque, it is in front of the fence between the wastewater treatment plant and the auto repair shop, directly across from Stewart’s.

[@alexmelisz7724]

Yet another fantastic video, as a lifelong enthusiast of New York state and Great Lakes shipwrecks, it is fantastic to see some of the little-known stories of my state brought to life.

[@jamesmoore9271]

I grew up a stone's throw from the areas mentioned in this video. Wild to know my hometown has such incredible and poignant history.

[@karenc4544]

The people who got in rowboats and went out to that ship to rescue people…the heroism is staggering. It reminds me that people can be amazing.

[@brandonchild422]

I'm not saying you should cover the Sultana or the SS Portland but it would be cool if you did.

[@billshroyer9487]

You seem to have an actual passion for the subjects you narrate. It's not just a cold, academic study for you, and that's refreshing. Thanks as always for another fascinating presentation!

[@russbonk1372]

Was in Athens a few months ago....sat down at the waterfront park with my wife, just taking in the warmish afternoon sun. Had never been there, but after about a half hour or so I got a strange feeling of sadness. This was odd as there were a few families also enjoying the day- laughing and walking dogs etc. I shrugged it off, but went away with a question of hmmm.....I wonder why? From viewing this video I think we were right near that point. I WILL be going back in the Spring to investigate further. Excellent work on this sad story....look forward to more vids! Thank you!

[@sandy-pf9bb]

I very much admire the way you let the screen go dark for a moment. Its a beautiful gesture of respect for the dead.

[@blackhitler8572]

dude thats just gay to even say that😅

[@MattnessLP]

When I saw this video was about a Steamboat wreck in 1840-something, I had to think of the ballad of John Maynard by Theodor Fontane, which was part of my German curriculum back in middle school. That boat in the poem was called "Swallow" as well ("Schwalbe" in German), but that one caught fire on its journey across Lake Erie, from Detroit to Buffalo. That ballad is actually based on a real disaster that happened in August 1841 to a steamboat called "Erie", that was on its way from Buffalo to Erie, PA. I am finding nothing about that incident anywhere here on KZbin and it would be really cool if you could research it and make a video about it.

[@johndavies1090]

I've seen several of your videos now and liked them all - this one is really interesting. We didn't have steamboat lines of this sort in Britain, or that style of ship so the interest for me lies in the graceful beauty and engineering of the vessels. Thankfully, with the exception of the 'Princess Alice' disaster (she collided with an iron hulled collier, the 'Bywell Castle' and broke in half) we didn't have the same chain of disasters either. If the 'Swallow' lasted as long as she did, then she had a better career than many Mississippi boats. Loved the old silent riverboat movie you used too.

[@northsalemopenlandfoundation]

I grew up on The Hudson and have heard of The Swallow but I never knew about the site of the wreck and the events that followed the collision. Absolutely love your videos, great work!

[@chkl1118]

I really like how this guy admits he has limited knowledge, but proceeds with AS MUCH AS HE HAS BEEN ABLE TO ACQUIRE... At no point do you hear him narrating anything as absolute certainty, and merely sticks to most-likely-probabilities when he's not 100% sure... I've seen this delivery on every video I've seen of his. Well done! You make history entertaining, without tainting it with your own opinions and assumptions.

[@PartTimeExplorer]

Thank you

[@RobertLPeeters]

As someone who lives near Hudson and Athens, I see this island all the time when I cross over the Rip Winkle Bridge. I had no idea a steamboat once ran aground in this area.

[@dianequince8761]

I never heard of this ship before, so much history that's not told. I watch a lot of these videos about the old ships and found this very interesting. Thank you. I think a plaque should be placed on site for the people who lost their lives there.

[@lewydmusic]

As a man who lives right on the river in Germantown NY I love these Hudson river stories. Thank you.

[@allenparr2741]

I have lived in the Hudson Valley all my life (about 20 miles south of Athens, NY) and never knew anything about this wreck. Thank you for this amazing Documentary!

[@greghartshorne6621]

Keep up the excellent videos!! This is the shit I love to learn about. You and your team honestly should be on a full doc series broadcasted to everyone via Netflix, HBO, or whatever

[@webob24animations91]

It is really such a shame that this ship was ultimately forgotten considering hectic sinking and rescue operation. I really love your content and I hope to see more in the future.

[@Maritime_History]

I never heard this story before. Thanks for informing me and very well made video.

[@samanthab1923]

Same here. Love any tales of the Hudson. When they opened Kykuit to the public they had boat rides up the river from Jersey City to Tarrytown. Sounded heavenly

[@jimmyrafferty6241]

My girlfriend is from Hudson,I know that part of the Hudson valley well. The ferry scene from War Of The Worlds 2005 was shot in Athens.

[@PartTimeExplorer]

I actually just watched War of the Worlds again last night, as I wanted to see what spots I recognized! I saw online that they filmed in Cold Spring, as well, but I can't figure out what scene that was.

[@thejagotishow]

Yes, it indeed does remind me of the SS Atlantic as well, also love some of the different sinking angles from the real time sinking of the SS Atlantic that you used for this video!

[@valvefloatproductions9083]

I just started watching your channel and its kinda funny I live really close to the launch site of the Swallow, so that does make it a small world indeed. Ive recently rediscovered my fascination with ships and the stories that go along with them. I must say I really like your video on the SS Arctic. A very gripping and moving story and was told in a way that was respectful to the efforts of some yet true to detail about the literal hell that broke out. What I like about the Arctic story is that it could be ascribed as a metaphor that shines a light on the nature of man and how we act as a society as a whole , and your video does a very good job at subtly delivering to that point. I think the whole story of the Arctic would make a very good, emotionally compelling movie.

[@charlesclager6808]

Excellent video, well documented with precise narration. It's part of our history that deserves to be remembered.

[@TSWest]

I never realized river waters could be that rough even during storms but this video has convinced me otherwise. Nicely done.

[@austinh9389]

most rivers will not get that rough but the hudson river is 3 or 4 miles wide in parts just north of nyc

[@Amory98]

The empathy and heart with which you put these together is utterly lovable and melancholically delightful. On a side note, beautiful choices of the soundtracks.

[@TheOceanChannel2]

This story was hard to… SWALLOW. dun dun Ching!

[@michaellyczak9337]

And they didn't even cover the tale of her sister ship, the riverboat Gulp.

[@SQUAREHEADSAM1912]

Fascinating, as I live on the banks of the Hudson. Keep it up Tom :)

[@PartTimeExplorer]

Two more videos- next week and the week after- also focusing on the Hudson!

[@SQUAREHEADSAM1912]

@@PartTimeExplorer I’ll keep my eye out for them.

[@greenbeenie2]

A HEARTFELT "THANK YOU" to you sir, for wonderful, educational, entertaining, videos. We appreciate ALL the hard work that goes into researching these subjects. God bless

[@teddyduncan1046]

You're quality videos are greatly appreciated and looked forward to!

[@AndyHappyGuy]

Just imagining that somewhere under the Hudson, buried under some mud is the wrecked hull of an entire steamboat, once fitted with luxurious interiors and top grade machinery, now all forgotten and abandoned. It’s hard to think about, more so than ships that you normally can’t see like the Titanic or ships that have almost all disintegrated like the Atlantic. Titanic still has a whole ass wreck and the Atlantic still has some boilers and debris you can see under the water but no one has even tried looking at the wreck of the Swallow directly.

[@ktm42080]

And thus compiles the reasons I don't step onto boats, or ships, of any size for any reason or purpose. I couldn't imagine being on Carnival Cruise's "Fireball of the Sea", if you don't drown you'll burn alive. Great video!!

[@thejudgmentalcat]

Even with so little to go on, you were able to put together a complete record of events. Great job!

[@Liam-man-93]

I really like these wreck videos you make, good job!

[@stevebruno7688]

I grew up on the river approximately 500Ft north of the Swallow rock and knew the man that owned the property.

[@nevinhedley1797]

Fascinating. And wonderfully presented. Thank you!

[@RomeroTV]

Good job, Tom! Your content is getting better and better!

[@markbowles2382]

Excellent mr.Tom, well done indeed, your historical work about the Hudson day Line and local legends handed down to you from your Dads time on the New Jersey waterfront makes even a southern flat lander like me want to go see the Hudson in all its magnificense (in the middle of July of course!)

[@mkendallpk4321]

This is a very high quality vid! Well done and presented.

[@imxploring]

As usual an incredible bit of storytelling! Thank you!

[@nicolettegeiger3678]

My son LOVES history ESPECIALLY military craft in the air, sea and on the land. I can’t wait to show him some of your videos. He’s been the top history student at his high school for the last 3 years.

[@algray1195]

Your Historic lessons are very compelling! Your love of the past is impressive and your delivery is admirable. A testament of accuracy by ensuring the depiction of historical accounts. Excellent!

[@jasguy2715]

I enjoyed this video very much. Being from New Jersey I went up to Hudson River a few times and what a mighty River it is.

[@jessicam5712]

I'm just amazed at the quality of your content and happy I found your videos, thank you for the work you're doing, it's so well researched and you have such a professional but relaxed approach. Thank you for your hard work.

[@towedarray7217]

Love your style on this documentary. Really fascinated and well-researched. Great work!

[@ownlydown5933]

Pretty cool how they used the Wood to build a House. Always interesting to see how Raw Materials get used.

[@roadweary5252]

Another great production, Tom! Well done

[@Urlocallordandsavior]

I agree!

[@collinvall9505]

Lol the dude hopping out the window “peace y’all”

[@SudrianTales]

I do hope he survived.

[@colvinator1611]

Brilliant video! America is so rich with your history and it's a treasure for the world. Colin, Yorkshire UK.

[@Anthony-gy5dv]

Anyone else binge watching these?

[@crakkbone8473]

Yeesss…

[@friendlypiranha774]

Excellent research. Thanks so much for putting it together. Very informative.

[@tresgooch]

I’m stunned you don’t have 2 million subscribers, imho, best history channel on KZbin.

[@connorredshaw7994]

Really enjoyed this one very interesting story to hear about a very similar fate with the SS Atlantic again one of my favourite videos on this channel keep up the Great work and stay safe. 👍

[@nuggets0717]

All my life I have lived in either New York City or Albany NY. To hear a story about this vessel is particularly close to home. Much of my feeble existence revolves around the mighty Hudson River.

[@AndrewTyberg]

You did an excellent job telling the story!

[@jimrossi7708]

👍🏼 I enjoyed this very much, especially since I use to make deliveries up and down the Hudson River in the area where this happened. Sometimes I would stare out at the river while taking a break, a think back to yesteryear and this definitely brought images of things that happened !

[@MuddyGunns]

Just wanted to say THANK YOU! for all of your hard work and dedication to putting these history videos together. I recently discovered the channel, and I am really enjoying and appreciating the historical events you are covering! I can tell you are passionate about the topics/events covered! Keep up the great work!

[@andrewshaver5800]

Found your channel recently and your content is wonderful. Keep up the great work!

[@rchiribogar]

Another awesome video. Thank you so much!!!!

[@jacoroets5737]

Tom,I wish you were part of triplets and the other two were making videos exactly the same way you do.Just think how I could bingewatch then.I feel a great deal of satisfaction after watching your videos.Nothing out of place.

[@filipdemski8303]

I absolutely enjoy your videos Tom! I have already some time to watch it. Thank you for bringing up this history! You're really talented into making documentaries!

[@koymokko2029]

This channel truly deserves more subscribers! Best from Finland!

[@joshbreck3489]

You know what’s great about you and your videos? The fact that you put a lot of effort into these and even go to the locations so we can get a good visual of it. This channel is just amazing and I will support this channel every step of the way.

[@deaf2819]

Yea, this thing is unheard of on the Hudson. Which is a damn shame I’d add!

[@kathywithak7529]

This kind of teaching gets a new generation interested ❤

[@luv2sail66]

Thank you for an interesting presentation about a little known wreck. Well researched and well presented.

[@jamesanderson3160]

Always a good day when Tom drops a fresh video! Keep up the good work brother!

[@davidharris241]

Excellent production! Thank you. :)

[@maryannebeauchamp1649]

Just happened upon ur site this evening. My bf & I watched several of ur videos & found them extremely interesting. You tell the stories as if u r a friend who is right in r midst. May I say that u have perfect diction, speak @ the perfect speed 2 relate the stories & have a very nice speaking voice. Very well done. I now have a gr8 go-to video site 4 my shipwreck hobby/interest.

[@scofab]

Well done once again, thank you.

[@pierrekornak7569]

Very well done, looking forward to more videos!

[@jimdipreta8804]

I very much enjoyed your video. Thank you for posting it

[@DahlbergMusicTv]

I love your videos so much ❣️💯 you are one of most top not researchers preserving our history beautifully. Thankyou so much for everything you post. Much love and respect from Minnesota 💓

[@shaunbolton4662]

Very interesting and thorough! Well done visuals too! Thanks!

[@pierolovatto6044]

Excellent as all your documentaries. Keep up the good work!.

[@funnelvortex7722]

Honestly I am surprised it was not a whole lot worse, they got very fortunate the storm put out the flames before they could spread. Steamboat disasters could be extremely deadly due to fires and boiler explosions.

[@rogerrendzak8055]

Good job 👍!!! I've never heard of this, 'sea tale' (or these ships). Well put together, intricately and comprehensibly, done😌. This is DEFINITELY, some of your best, work!!

[@gregsmith1719]

It doesn't matter how great you are if you can't see where you're going. Great video! Keep it up!

[@draggonsgate]

Awesome video! It's spelled Valatie... but it's pronounced Va-Lay-Sha... NY towns are tough to pronounce!

[@miapdx503]

Everyone knows about the Titanic. But there are many shipwrecks that deserve attention, and I'm so grateful that you bring them to our attention, so eloquently. Thank you 🌹

[@defwebsolutions]

Great video!

[@lawrencedewan9838]

Well done, Once again, Sir!!

[@wdj2131]

Instant sub, thank you for the great work.

[@elizabethmerriman531]

New to your channel and I fell in love with your well informed presentation. I think I will binge watch other episodes for a while! Happy New Year to all from Texas

[@PartTimeExplorer]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@shelleykrier7417]

Wonderful work ! I thought I had seen all of your videos but I missed this one somehow❤ I love all the visual interpretations ♥️

[@kalif404]

Your videos are amazing the details and attempt to be factual are impeccable.

[@gregsmith1719]

Great video! Thanks!

[@daybird2]

I am quickly becoming a big fan of this channel!

[@blakel8121]

Never heard of this, thank you for sharing. I have subscribed for more.

[@WHITETRASHWILL]

binge watching these videos for a few days now

[@brick6347]

Fantastic video. Truly nightmare fuel too.