The S.S. Sachem - Ghost Ship of the Ohio River

[@LordSmuggington]

The SS Keewatin (almost 120 years old, 336 ft, one of the last and oldest remaining Edwardian-era passenger liners) is being historically towed this very moment, from Port McNicoll, Ontario, through Sarnia/Port Huron and the Detroit river. It's headed to a museum, but this is the world's last chance to see her ply the waters she once graced, for a final time.

[@wirelessone2986]

What museum is the destination ?

[@ImNotCreativeEnoughToMakeUser]

Good to know. Thanks or sharing.

[@LordSmuggington]

@@wirelessone2986 Kingston Ontario, the Marine Museum of the Great Lakes

[@Joe_draw]

yes

[@Klappadler7844]

She’s heading to a better place

[@jeremy5602]

That is some of the craziest backstory I've ever heard. The ship went from a lightly used rich guy's yacht, to a tour boat, to a soldier, to a scientist, to an extra for Madonna, to one of the most eerie things to lay your eyes on. I've seen pictures of this ship before and thought it was so cool sitting abandoned in the river like that. I never would have imagined it had such a crazy history to it going back over 100 years.

[@thaynetarbox4117]

it is…..the most interesting boat in the world…stay thirsty

[@weezadodson74]

Don’t forget a alcohol smuggler lol

[@qwertykeyboard5901]

And it was "Yo' dad's project".

[@The_MemeJoker]

I'm glad Ohio has something to brag about @jeremyroland5692

[@BrothersInMinecraft2]

Almost 200 years

[@nickichandler]

Its sad, the condition she's in. But when you showed what she looked like in the summer- overgrown with plants and looking like a garden- that kinda made me smile.

[@BrettonFerguson]

Yes. Somebody should salvage and restore it.

[@SoulDevoured]

Yeah she's not a ship anymore. She's an island sheltering nature. This is a better second life than most ships get.

[@BrettonFerguson]

@@SoulDevoured Yes. Even has trees growing in it. Also some ships turn into reefs. If they sink in shallow water with a sandy bottom, they give coral something to grip onto. Much better than getting chopped up and melted down in India.

[@M_A_R_I_N_E785]

@@BrettonFerguson it’s not worth restoring. Too old and costly

[@BrettonFerguson]

@@M_A_R_I_N_E785 Whether something is worth restoring is subjective. Also the cost would depend a lot on if you did it yourself as a hobby and how much of the work you had to hire others to do like machine new parts. That being said I would tend to agree with you there are many other things I would prefer to restore than some crappy yacht. I'd rather do an actual warship. Like that M-boot decaying at a dock in a video a few weeks ago.

[@jimmydiresta]

What an incredible story! I was on the circle line few times as a kid in the 70s w family !! I may have been on her !!! 😊

[@joem13yearsago73]

Ty

[@CincyRaz]

I grew up in Northern Kentucky and I remember hearing drunken stories late nights at bars about this ship by friends who'd paddled out to see her. Had no idea of all the history. Thanks so much for making this!

[@ZephyrusAsmodeus]

There's something honestly quite comforting in seeing how she looks in the summer nowadays, a gentle, gradual reclamation of nature, from all the things she's been through, I think she's earned the rest

[@ksavage681]

It's the best retirement a ship could hope to get.

[@HighlanderNorth1]

Id prefer she be sunk off the coast as a manmade reef, instead of her current fate.

[@HaenaKauai91]

Nice way of putting it 🍁

[@simonolsen9995]

@@ksavage681 Exactly. Let her rest in peace. She's earned it.

[@C77-C77]

Well put. It just seems to...belong there. We sometimes worry too much about preserving old things. And people can go out to that peaceful spot anytime, it's not stuck at some busy city's docks.

[@flycatcher123]

From luxury yacht to serving in both world wars, to the Edison research, to the tours of NYC, to the Madonna video, this was the Forrest Gump of ships.

[@jakesmerth1919]

Found the underrated comment

[@zchris87v80]

If this thing ever gets restored, hopefully it comes full circle (line V). Always called it the phenakite, and the story of the rear-mounted motor from the Atlantic to the present location is awesome. I'll watch this video at some point. Commenting prior to it because I'm fascinated with it.

[@DB742]

Now rotting in some hillybilly backwater of Kentucky.

[@JustGigi319]

@@zchris87v80 there's no way it could be restored. It's rusted through, and essentially a part of the riverbed at this point.

[@robbykelley7131]

We have the same name that’s awesome have a great life sir !

[@T_Burd_75]

This vessel has so much history and has been incredibly well documented. It boggles my mind that such a huge piece of history ended up the way that it did.

[@MrDmitriRavenoff]

So much of our history is lost to us. It's very nice that people like Part-Time Explorer take the time and energy to document it for us. Well done sir.

[@jeremy5602]

Let's be real here, most pieces of history end up forgotten, abandoned, and eventually destroyed.

[@patriciapiper6294]

I'm sad for her. Once they are created, I sort of feel like they are living. Doing our biding, caring for and sheltering us. Again and again trying to accommodate every need for us no matter what she was called. And here she sits. Alone. Forgotten.

[@clearview5281]

The British just let their War Hero Ships just rust away on the rocks near London. HMS Warspite and HMS Rodney. (The Battleship that got the first hit on the Bismark that day.) Why does the headline call this ship a Ghost Ship. A ghost ship is one that is seen after it is sunk.

[@timewithoutconsequence]

Absolutely agree.

[@LilitheAmara]

I grew up in Ohio! It's amazing that a vessel with such a rich history is resting in such a random place. I am glad you were able to find so much information about her history!

[@mikea5923]

Well, it’s not resting in Ohio.

[@PH_INFO_101]

@@mikea5923 I read LilitheAmara's comment twice and I can't see anything that warrants your comment. For example, I could post a comment saying _I grew up in Texas! It's amazing that a vessel with such a rich history is resting in such a random place. I am glad you were able to find so much information about her history!_ It's hardly worth mentioning but the Vessel is sitting within 2 miles of the boarder of Ohio, just saying...

[@mikea5923]

@@PH_INFO_101 thank you, that’s incredibly helpful.

[@PH_INFO_101]

@@mikea5923 Thank you for the prompt and kind reply. I am blessed to have been helpful.

[@Oshnblu17]

She deserves to be put in a Museum. Just like the old ships found buried full of rich history in museums. I love history. I liked this documentary. I am from the east coast but don’t think I have ever heard of it. Thank you for the history lesson and finding out it will be preserved. My son works for government in DC. We visit the museums. I have become even more fascinated with history and look forward to learning more.

[@JohnDoe-dj6qw]

Leave it alone! it's a wonderful local historical attraction in my Kentucky.

[@nursestoyland]

At least get her restored, she doesn’t deserve to be in the state shes in

[@alexanderlacy4005]

I love this, I grew up 30 minutes away from there, and fished from that ship many times, even back when it was afloat, we would camp out in her aft decks, and tie my pontoon boat right beside her. All my life I have been curious about that boat, and finally, I know her history, and I am absolutely amazed. I have been watching your videos for a while now, because I have always loved history, especially aviation, and maritime history. I have learned more, watching your videos, then I have learned in all my life. Keep them coming my friend, I really enjoy your videos.

[@dblythe5958]

Is it in Indiana?

[@tuffyrhodes3830]

@@dblythe5958 No, some shithole county in Kentucky 😆

[@jamespeoples7566]

Can I get a bass boat up to this

[@goaskmymom1350]

​@@dblythe5958 Ohio.

[@goaskmymom1350]

​@@jamespeoples7566 Yes!

[@violethouseworth5943]

I will confess>>I am addicted to your channel..My brother just passed away last week>>served in the Navy and your stories make me feel closer to him in his realm>>thank you for that.

[@beepseatsfindingfoodtreasu8756]

I'm sorry to hear about your loss. I've visited the Sachem quite a few times over the years. She's still beautiful even in Her current state. Any sailor would agree that She deserves to be refitted and take Her place amongst the historical ships.

[@garygrant9612]

I'm also hooked on your vidios. I think I watched everyone of them, but this one was amazing to watch this piece of history.

[@jamesswain7003]

I'm sorry to hear about your brother, My brother passed away 2 months ago, he was a Marine in Vietnam and he loved watching stuff like this. This keeps me close to him.

[@Abcity92]

Sorry for you your loss! Did he ever watch this channel in his spare time? I'm sure he could've liked it.

[@Little_noobi]

Emotional bastard

[@Immopimmo]

I never expected the ship to have such a rich story! And I was surprised to see how far inland she got. What a journey!

[@MN_Rando]

Same. And also nice pfp

[@Southern-author]

Your production quality should be the standard for all You Tubers.

[@MasterOfJackShizz]

We live not far from there in the Cincinnati area and I have urbex friends who've visited her over the years and knew some, but not all of her story. Thank you for making this. Seems she's a goner for sure as the cost to benefit ratio has to look pretty grim to anyone who might have the resources. But, she was such a lovely vessel and is so rich in history. Who knows.

[@appaloosa42]

It’s more likely someone with deep pockets will have a replica built and memorialize her with a piece of hull mounted in a case.

[@joebeach7759]

That's an incredible story. I actually was abord this ship when it was owned by circle line. I remember my sister and I playing around the railing of the gun mount. We did that several times . Sad where it ended up, but great that you took the time to do all the research for this. Great job.

[@juliemanarin4127]

Awesome!!

[@concept5631]

Cool

[@badcornflakes6374]

I appreciate these little stories especially as a young lad myself. It's awesome hearing from people who actually lived it, a privilege really.

[@Hanjhob]

@@badcornflakes6374crazy to think we will one day be telling stories like this of our own.

[@lordofthestings]

​@@Hanjhob, no you wont.

[@robertmoffett3486]

It's a sad end for such a historic vessel. When it left NJ, it was tied up for several weeks at Stapleton, Staten Island, about two minutes from my home. I was looking her over, and marveling at her propulsion setup, when Mr Miller appeared from below. We spoke for a few minutes, but he was very anxious to make repairs below. Her epic voyage made the papers, but this is the first I've seen of her since. Thanks for a great history of her

[@GeorgiaBoy-gh5fj]

Very sad ending for such a legendary vessel.

[@themightycrixus1131]

This is honestly so sad. It deserves to be appreciated and not forgotten. Thank you for sharing its rich history

[@JeffreyBenzodiazepines]

Thank you for not addressing the inanimate vessel as if it were a human female like all the weirdos here.

[@themightycrixus1131]

@@JeffreyBenzodiazepines haha you are welcome

[@kelvinwebber90]

Your sad 😂😂😂😂😂

[@themightycrixus1131]

@@kelvinwebber90 about the boat, yes

[@Evezieee]

First off, thank you for all your hard work on your videos! This is the second time I've watched this video. Seeing this ship in the middle of the woods like that is so striking. I hope to see to see her in person someday. All the best from Nova Scotia. :)

[@SebastianSketchs]

Spectacular documenting such beautiful and rich history. I love it, but you wanna know that I don’t love, she sitting there, rusting away, she has so much history and the fact that she’s sitting there as a veteran, slowly fading away in the time I think personally, that we all need to start like a go fund page for her so we can all save up and have her uprooted from the Kanau, and somehow find a way to get her repaired and what not and get her put somewhere where she will be preserved and have history done because girl does not deserve to be forgotten she’s been through so much

[@wendywhite4537]

This makes me sad that people have forgotten such a versatile ship with a rich history

[@Fossillarson]

not forgotten ! just been hidden = good.

[@locutusvonborg2k3]

why does it? are you sad than about all the other things lost ? for example the library of alexandria lost to a great fire. this is just what we know and yet most ppl dont care, not even knowing whats lost to time what we - well - dont know. so why this is now making you sad ? theres been greater things forgotten already.

[@wendywhite4537]

@@locutusvonborg2k3 Because I now know about her. Yes the great things that have been lost makes me upset sad. We could know so much more about history than we do now. But me personally I love the ships. I love learning about their history. The sailing, the streamers, the ocean liners, the war ships, the yachts of yesterday. It’s just the way that I am. Sorry to offend

[@Scottocaster6668]

​@@wendywhite4537Don't be sor Don't be sorry if you offend someone about how YOU feel. People like to complain and argue behind a cell phone. Clearly they have no feeling or care about anything. Have a great day ❤️!

[@lenseofanomad]

@@wendywhite4537 sad and upset? grow up and get real.

[@jackdipasquale8199]

Fascinating history. The way you narrated the story was as if the ship was alive and had actual feelings. I do feel bad for the ship being flooded, sitting in mud, and it was pilfered many times. I find it amazing how many people bought the ship and redesigned it to their liking. It would be wonderful if the ship was rescued, restored and brought back to life. Ironically though it supports life in it's muddy graveyard.

[@dawn2461]

I lived there for 30 yrs never heard of it

[@badcornflakes6374]

​@@dawn2461one day you will

[@thelastholdout]

Is it weird how sad I got seeing the Sachem's current condition after you went over her history? Such a beautiful ship that witnessed so much luxury and history. Honestly it feels like even being sunk as a wreck would be a more honorable fate for her than rotting away in a muddy creek. However, when she's covered in vegetation in the summer she does gain a new kind of beauty, it seems.

[@michaelimbesi2314]

It’s not weird at all. Even though they’re inanimate objects, ships almost seem to develop a personality. But they’re completely dependent on people to run and maintain them. So it’s common to be sad to see one being mistreated, or neglected, or forgotten.

[@CPorter]

Not weird at all, perfectly normal to feel such amazing pieces of history being neglected and forgotten about, with practically nothing being done to help them survive another decade.

[@cdd4248]

I too was saddened and felt a pit in my stomach. Kindof the same feeling I would get seeing a beautiful mid-century piece of furniture painted yellow and used as tool storage in someone's garage. WHY was my first thought..why and how? ;)

[@NZHazard]

What's worse is that while their are several challenges in restoring her, its not impossible... it would be a significant undertaking but as the ship is located in a small creek, building a coffer dam, and pumping the water out would be the easiest way of starting the process of getting her out of the mud. Clean out of the silt on the deck and placement of a shelter above her, would at least provide the keep the old girl from feeling forgotten..... then people can start the process of either restoring or preserving her for the future.

[@CPorter]

@@NZHazard I'm not sure a cofferdam would work in such topography, but definitely different dam type would work.

[@jennifermiller7813]

So glad she will be in a museum now. Sad it took this long. History is so important to our youth. All history is important.

[@juliemanarin4127]

I agree completely

[@mikea5923]

It’s not going to be in a museum…..

[@BornIn1500]

Yea history is very important and valuable... except to lefties that have been tearing down all historic statues that they don't agree with...

[@henrybruening8889]

Its not leaving from where it is presently sitting now ...

[@mikea5923]

It’s like people don’t even listen to what they are watching.

[@bzuulu]

Awesome video. I would've never known this ship had so much history to it.

[@zendrosity5135]

As someone who lives in KY I’ve heard about this ship and I’m glad that you r bringing her mysterious history back into the light

[@karahershey]

Never heard of it but I live in Indiana next to the Ohio River

[@teen_laqueefa]

I live in Ohio, tri state buddies

[@vinawaldren6888]

@@teen_laqueefa I'm in Columbus! 👋😁

[@White_ops_arcade]

Ayy same state

[@kimberlyshepherd270]

I'm 30 mins from Cincinnati

[@shaansohi-fraser7688]

Such a rich history… sad to see her just sitting there rotting away. She would’ve made a marvellous museum ship, but at least her story can be forever preserved.

[@robertknowles2699]

How long did ship Great Britain lie in salt mud before raising efforts began ?

[@Jadefox32]

​@@robertknowles2699 think about the difference in condition, unless you get some very wealthy backers she's not going anywhere.

[@meandthemrs7403]

I've been aware of this ship, for quite a few years now, because of You Tube. I never thought that I would see such a well made documentary about her. Excellent job.

[@roxyspamcake]

Thank you for telling us this boat's story. There's always been something incredibly melancholy and unsettling to me about things like abandoned houses, and I guess part of what unsettled me was all memories of them being forgotten, lost to the ambiguity of resale value and mundanity. Hearing the history of the boat, and that it meant so many things to do many people, made it less sad and abandoned, and more like the end of a lifespan well-lived. Thank you :)

[@Corle0ne]

What a beautiful ship she was! Thank you guys so much for all the work you put into your videos. It's an absolute high point whenever there's a notification of something new from the channel!

[@lucast3006]

I’ve seen several videos about this ship over the years, and yours is by far the best! I wouldn’t have expected anything else; you always produce top-notch work.

[@davidhusband5022]

yes indeed. watching here in Australia, always keen to see his videos.

[@nline2blast722]

Dude you did a great job at honoring that ship in its history

[@oddmott7653]

The creek that this amazing ship is stuck in reminds me a lot of the woods i used to hike around in behind my house in my youth in NW Ohio. The entire woodland sits in a low lying valley that floods regularly, thanks to being cut through by the Lil' Lick Creek. (This & the local river it tributes into were named after a local war hero from the Revolutionary War, named Lick Talbert). Although there was nothing as big as a ship in there, it still held some odd secrets of its own. On the east end can be found the ruins of an old house, likely dated to the mid 1800's or so (The metal bathtub being the most intact part); while not far away from there a section of woods has long forgotten police-line tape around it, though inside can only be found a large amount of broken ceramics. The north end features a cliff with old concrete blocks dumped around it (great for climbing on and crossing the river). Around here i once found an old crane hook and an antique tricycle submerged in the creek. On the southside sits a small canyon some local has used to dump refuse for decades. It's an abhorrent site for pollution now, but will likely be an interesting site of artifacts in the next century. And on the west side, an old campsite sits unused. The first time my sister & I found it, an intricately made wooden playground style jungle gym was right beside it, and we played on it for hours (Unfortunately, it was washed away during the next flood). During my last visit before going off to college, a dugout bench from the local baseball diamond (also in a floodplain) wound up in the same area. Before i left, i dragged it from the river myself and wedged it between a trio of trees near the old campsite. It's been a decade since then, and i have no idea if the bench is still there or not. If i make it back there, I'll let y'all know. This probably isn't the most relevant post to ships, but the scenery surrounding this abandoned treasure got me really nostalgic for my old hiking ventures, so i figured i'd share it with you. If you read this, leave a like. Also, thank you for doing so, and have a great day fellow part-time explorers :)

[@bernardberben4852]

I couldn't believe it to be honest lol. It looks like it's sitting in the back of my grandad's farm. When it used to sail the east coast.

[@Ruby-gn5nc]

Thank you for this post I sure enjoyed reading it.

[@dennistoadvine9672]

Enjoyed your story

[@jetorixjones]

She deserves to be restored and displayed with such an amazing history.

[@JohnDoe-dj6qw]

Leave it alone! it's a wonderful local historical attraction in my Kentucky.

[@sodacan1415]

@@JohnDoe-dj6qw stupid

[@MN_Rando]

I agree.

[@SirLurkington]

Imagine this ship being restored into a piece of each stage in its history and walkthrough tours going thru the eras. That would be a museum in and of itself.

[@medea27]

Absolutely fascinating... she's quite the ship, inspiring so many different people & serving so many different purposes. She even looks to be a verdant garden come springtime - a success even in her slow decay. Definitely a ship worthy of the Part-time Explorer treatment! 👌

[@john1653]

This is one of the finest examples of the documentary maker's art I have ever seen! I am so impressed at the amount of detail you dug out from somewhere. Congratulations, buddy, you deserve a prize of some kind! JS, Master Chief, U.S. Navy (Ret.)

[@joetaylor1459]

Thankyou for your services Sir.

[@cpyart]

Wherever this ship may have served, whatever tasks may of been asked of her, let all those who served on her know that on this day she was blessed with the prayers of us all for her successes and for her safe return to calm waters. May God bless her and all who sailed in her. xx

[@A_Litre_of_Farva]

What an incredibly well made video and equally incredible story. It’s sad to see her in that mud hole 😢

[@goochpunchtickles3617]

Came across this obscure video and am glad I did. What a story about a boat. Thank you for putting this together.

[@juliemanarin4127]

This man does the best videos!!

[@sdean1978]

You coverage and detail of the history of this ship is astounding. I’m so impressed.

[@MELANIE2571]

There is something so soothing and comforting about your channel. I'm absolutely obsessed. Might be your delightful narrative voice too. Anyway, once again , fascinating, insightful and just brilliant. . Thank you

[@Hfitz1129]

Beautiful documentary! I've waited a long time to see this ol' girl get the attention she deserves. So much history for her to just be sitting there rotting away and forgotten.

[@laurietijerina3816]

My same thoughts exactly

[@bobkin611]

Found your channel from this video... Man there is so much to watch, these stories are incredible. Thank you for all the effort you put into them.

[@jessicar7017]

Amazing story. I've seen it pop up a few times in various Facebook groups and got interested in it. I hope people respect what's left of her and that her story continues

[@bearbon2]

She served in many roles honorably for longer than most ships of her age and avoided the scrapper. I think she deserves to rest in peace. Nicely done and well researched video.

[@brianclark5393]

What an awesome story about the rich history of this vessel. Thank you. I don’t think anyone could have made a better tribute.

[@olliefoxx7165]

You are a gifted historian and filmographer. The amount of work you put into this video is impressive. Well done!

[@mapsbolt3663]

Wow! This was one of the best of your series! Seriously thank you for all your work on this!

[@ivanvarykino8202]

As a long time subscriber, you've shared so many great stories. But I have to say this one of the Sachem for me was the most suprising and fascinating. The amount of history that this one humble, well constructed ship experienced leaves me in complete awe. Thank you so much for your work!

[@beepseatsfindingfoodtreasu8756]

Thank you for doing this documentary. I've been on Her five times over the past 12 years. I have like many others, fell in love with Her. She's one of the last of Her kind. From the classic lines to the service She's done for our country. I've even sailed Her path in a cruiser I purchased in Long Island up the Mohawk through the Erie Canal across Lake Ontario and through the Welland Canal onto Lake Erie. Which was as far as I was going. But I made the drive down to the Ohio as often as I could and would paddle my kayak across and spent several weekends either on Her or camping on the bank. There's something about the Sachem that grips the hearts of ship lovers. I myself have dreamed about refitting Her as a classic lake schooner. After seeing several of the wrecks that the Great Lakes has preserved. In closing I will add that the Sachem deserves to be saved and keep Her place in our maritime history. Hopefully this will happen before She slowly decays into the silt of the Ohio.

[@robertknowles2699]

Can a special tax-free area be found to haul her ? Pumps can transfer silt & mud similar to archeological marine work ? Compare shoveling muck to new construction cost wise?

[@phoenixrising578]

I agree. It breaks my heart that not the navy or anyone else has stepped up to restore her and save an amazing part of history and so many peoples lives. Believe me restorations that had even less left to work with have successfully been undertaken

[@unwanted_zombie]

Probably not where she would've expected to rest, but honestly not a bad place to be. Calm and quiet after a life of being involved with huge names and even bigger events.

[@richardsteele6776]

I appreciate all the hard work that went into this piece of history. Incredible story.

[@tylerparkhill3775]

Your content is very well done it warms my heart and sparks inspiration within myself to learn more about my home town and more thank you for your hard work !

[@danaflowers6443]

Such a beautiful piece of history and so very sad she's alone! 😭😭

[@justaguy6100]

It's excellent to get this history archived like this.

[@frankschuler2867]

What an amazing story. I’ve lived around Cincinnati my entire life and have never heard of this. It seems a real shame to have that piece of history rotting away alone in the woods. Thanks for such a detailed accounting of its interesting life.

[@lindenbyrne7725]

Honestly I think the resting place for the ship is one of the best around as it fits the environment and generally still looks quite nice rather then rusting away at the bottom of some lake.

[@frankschuler2867]

@@lindenbyrne7725 I can’t really disagree with that! Too bad it’s not still floating, though.

[@joshniehaus4378]

Where is she? I live around NKY and want to go see it

[@frankschuler2867]

@@joshniehaus4378Google Maps says it’s along Taylor Creek just northeast of Petersburg, KY.

[@talesfromanoldmanpatoneal6372]

This little documentary right here is the reason I love this channel! I love history of all types but especially Maritime history. I couldn't imagine the research that went into the making of This documentary. Fantastic job young man thank you so much for sharing.

[@tiesthatbind5056]

Theres a capsized boat on the allegheny too right off the north side bike trail in Pittsburgh! Very cool, im gonna have to come visit this one!

[@michaelmeden9117]

She has such beautiful lines. It breaks my heart to see such a historic, wonderful vessel sitting in the mud.

[@MrDlt123]

I appreciate the research, editing and production work that went into this video. I am a fan. Thanks!

[@atlantic_love]

Can we just take a moment to appreciate the elegance at which this steel beauty has clothes herself in the waves of nature that run along the lips of the Hoio River?

[@MichaelEilers]

Ok this was an INCREDIBLE story, how does one ship have such a history! Thanks for this, as a sailor myself I’ve done a small part of that 2600 miles, and wow that must have been frustrating, tedious, and yet amazing at the same time. A shameful end, it should be in a maritime museum.

[@Tomcat115]

While it is sad to see such a historical ship in a state of disrepair, it’s kind of a fitting end for her in some ways. After proudly serving her country multiple times, she finally gets a peaceful death as a home for many plants and animals as she slowly returns to nature. Most ships of her age would’ve been scrap metal by now. As long as we remember her and and her storied history, she will never truly die.

[@miketallica315]

Excellently done. She belongs in a museum.

[@Kokopilau77]

Such a beautiful ship with such an amazing story. Very sad to see her in that condition, but amazing to see how she’s become part of the river

[@riverbender9898]

You Sir, are batting a thousand! Thank You. What a noble subject. I'd love to think she may once more sail.

[@20thCenturyManTrad]

I love this one, I pray that this ship sees her back in glory, she's a wonderful vessel with wonderful history.

[@johnengland8619]

It is junk and whoever owned it knew that

[@BronzeGiant]

@@johnengland8619 And the curmudgeon speaks again.

[@nathanshoaf5452]

@@johnengland8619 you sir do not care about history shut up and get out of here. No need to be rude.

[@wheressteve]

​@@BronzeGiant it's what they do !

[@pneumaofficial9581]

woah theres trees growing on that thing. I absolutely love sights of human industrialization being reclaimed by nature

[@terrilanser9188]

I kayaked to see her a couple years ago while staying in the area and researching things to explore. So very cool to see! Thank you for sharing her history!

[@NetherStray]

My dad is an ardent historian and would have been campaigning to save this vessel in a heartbeat, but even after growing up in that kind of mindset and agreeing with him in most of those situations, seeing the state the vessel is in... It's okay to let some things go. In fact, has anyone considered tracking how it goes? Studying how it decomposes, at what rate each part of it begins to fall apart and disintegrate? These are things that are good to know for newer materials as we look to study newer wrecks in different situations. This could also be great to know for forensic investigations of lost boats. The Sachem doesn't have to be forgotten just because its physical form is lost. It's okay for some things to return to the earth. If we tried to preserve every single thing that had a story behind it, nothing would ever be recycled, reused, or repurposed in any way. Nothing could ever move forward and nothing could ever be given back to nature. It's good to preserve history, but we have to preserve our home as well.

[@echo9911]

I do agree however not many things on this planet boast as much of an amazing history as this ship. Your daily driver car? sure return it to the earth, this on the other hand is a bit more significant than the daily driver food for thought or whatever lol

[@tashabarnhart7270]

beautifully said!

[@andrewstickley6681]

@@echo9911 The reality is though this thing is too far gone. “Restoring” it would mean basically building a whole new ship, with a few pieces of the original incorporated. And that would cost millions, if not tens of millions. Not to mention restoring the interior, which there is absolutely nothing left of. IMO it still serves as a great source of enjoyment and wonderment in this state, and will continue to do so for a few more decades. Perhaps some parts (the bow or other sections) could be saved, but it would probably be hard to find a museum willing to take it.

[@doobat708]

It's true for lots of places that they have difficulty knowing what to do with their industrial heritage materials. A little underhanded that the Navy, technically only renting the vessel, tried to have the ship scrapped.

[@Rachel-art-and-design]

Awesome job. So sad and I hope the ship is restored in the future. Such amazing history.

[@robertknowles2699]

A Mr. WATERS took me to Yankeetown, neat Inglis, Flowida. Up the estuary was ( restored & pumps going to bail her out) a Composite sailing ship like the 1 I'm building in me back yard. This was 75 ft. w steel ribs covered w wood planking. Creeks make wonderful work areas, especially with less mosquitoes. The Edison research vital, and your varied detail of Sachem a joy to waych.

[@yuanbananaspleitz4784]

man... the ammount of detail you include in this is astounding. thank you for all this work.

[@ryansparks2287]

This is one of the best stories I have hear of her. I have to this ship a few times, as its only a short drive from my childhood home. Thank you for telling such a great story. Hopefully one day she will sail again.

[@thewatchworks1372]

Wow, I don’t think I’ve ever seen such an in-depth video on this ship! Great job, documenting it, I’m amazed at how much of it is actually left, considering the state it is in. It’s doubtful, but it would be neat to see that ship restore to its former glory.

[@robertknowles2699]

Look how Ulrich & several engineers brought Great Britain of Brunel from Falkland across Atlantic Ocean from its resting on bottom. What a great boat . This Sachem in fresh water; has a small survey been performed to determine scantling integrity ?

[@thewatchworks1372]

@@robertknowles2699 Oh yeah huh, totally forgot about the SS Great Britain, that was definitely a feat restoring that shin. With enough money just about anything, could be restored, including the SS sachem. Just a matter of who, and/or if anybody with the power to do so, will step up and save her.

[@mathewwoods9111]

Absolutely amazing how a boat could be so important and so famous in her own right, ends up in the Ohio spoils. I very much enjoy your history lessons.

[@flouisbailey]

I grew up on Ohio River, definition of boat hole you shovel money into, bigger boat bigger the money hole.

[@JohnDoe-dj6qw]

Technically, it's in Kentucky.

[@waynenorris5711]

I love how you try to make a difference in this world by preservation awareness!

[@trking1414]

I have seen this ship a number of times over the years. My step-sister lives close by. I always wanted to go on it and check it out, but it looks really decayed. There is also a civil war cemetery close by on the top of a hill. I am glad I found this video about it.

[@susieevans7064]

From riches to ruins this is a fascinating story! My 8 year old grandson really enjoyed it! Shocking to believe where it ended up. Thank you for bringing us this interesting piece of history.

[@brocksargeant1134]

Very well-done documentary on this piece of history. I live in Petersburg just a few miles from the ship; it's pretty well-known around here. I hope she'll be restored to her former glory someday, and I'd like to start helping out with the effort.

[@juliemanarin4127]

That would be amazing! Start a charity page to raise money!!

[@jeroberts7228]

That was fascinating! I love hearing, and seeing, all of the research and the old photos that you so diligently dig up and share with the rest of us on your videos. You have such a fascinating channel!

[@samrodda4799]

Hi Tom, I lived in Cincinnati a few years ago and actually briefly went aboard this ship with some friends in the beginning of 2020, thank you for bringing us more information about this ship! I will be sharing your video with them

[@gargolus.]

1:12 that transition was really smooth. damn

[@MedicallyHigh]

I could listen to you talk about anything and I mean ANYTHING!! You have an amazing voice that pairs perfectly with documentaries that you seemingly can make interesting yet factual at its core!! Please don’t stop documenting things, I will forever remain a loyal subscriber/viewer!!

[@barrydysert2974]

You have preserved this fascinating ship's place in history. Thank You !:-) 🙏

[@meganbeshear8644]

This is such an interesting story...and so very melancholy. It's so strange how an inanimate object can be perceived to have feelings...but I can just see her sorrow and loneliness.

[@hortenhxviii7478]

Awesome video as usual! Love your ship vids, and the history of the Sachem is wild. From hauling around Edison and conducting early Naval research to ending up in a stream in KY.

[@brianp3570]

I love when nature reclaims things. It would be a treat to see this with the foliage in full bloom.

[@j.r.c8145]

You make informative and interesting programmes. You are also polite but friendly. A rare thing. Thanks so much.

[@PartTimeExplorer]

Thank you!

[@bryce1916]

This was an awesome documentary thank you . This ship really set some firsts and lived a rich history .

[@donaldelfreth553]

One of your best videos. Thank you for making it. I grew up along Newton Creek, and I've always had an interest in the old iron and steel ship building yards along the Delaware.

[@notquiteripe5907]

I must applaud you for your approach to these documentaries. I just discovered you about 3 days ago and I can’t stop watching. Your content is intriguing and has reignited my passion for history, especially maritime history! One question. Have you ever given thought to exploring the history and stories of the many lighthouses of North America? Thank you so much!!

[@missy183]

Awesome video. Thanks for sharing this beautiful place. ✨❤

[@PoleBarnGarage]

EXCELLENT videos, my girlfriend and I have been binging on these. As a creator myself, I hardly watch KZbin, but your content is extremely well put together with lots of love and care. If you ever find yourself in Missouri I'd love to work together!

[@ItsAlpacaMan]

A great piece of American history, nice video

[@baneofbanes]

@Super Nostalgia yes I’m sure KZbin comments will convince people to convert.

[@tundrawomansays694]

@@baneofbanes Right?! Just like the people selling their religion door to door-no respect for new parents and their babies, shift workers etc. which IMO isn’t assertive, it’s obnoxious.

[@joslynscott466]

OMG. Not only have I always lived in Ohio, but I think I was on her. My high school band marched in a well known parade in Manhattan. Our band director scheduled on a 3 hour tour around New York on this gray boat. This would have been 1975. It was a good day. Thanks for the memories.

[@KatieeBug445]

It's heartbreaking to see her in such a bad condition. I'm a native to central Ohio, but I would love to get down to see her and possibly help with the restoration if it ever happens. I love history, and maritime history in particular has become a fascination of mine over the last couple years, so being able to possibly bring one of these old ships back - given that she's not on the sea floor - would be a dream come true.

[@sniffinglue7236]

Spent my whole life on this river, love finding new things out about it.

[@maybebaby9211]

I wish somehow it could have been preserved. What a treasure!❤