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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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? :)

[@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! 👍

[@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 :)

[@Anthony-gy5dv]

Anyone else binge watching these?

[@crakkbone]

Yeesss…

[@Nbaspam0000]

Yea, I started with fbi files with Jim kallstron- then mayday air disasters / other aviation investigations on yt- then onto this / maritime horrors or whatever the channel is called

[@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.

[@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.

[@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😅

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@Sliider36]

you tell these strories so well and thoughtfully, with actual video footage and photos from the time periods. i would suggest perhaps telling the story of the sinking of the edmund fitzgerald, a mysterious incident that no one knows exactly how it happened. however their are many theories. this could make for an excellent story to tell. & an informative video. anyways, keep up the great videos.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@charlesclager6808]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@BrianGarcia711NY]

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.

[@kathywithak7529]

This kind of teaching gets a new generation interested ❤

[@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.

[@2nicnag2]

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!

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@Jessa-RM]

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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@colvinator1611]

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

[@Liam-man-93]

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

[@Project_Prescott]

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

[@brandonchild422]

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

[@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 🌹

[@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.

[@duckbizniz663]

Greatly appreciate your account of early steamboat history in the American Northeast. The Northeast is the location of large, heavily populated urban centers. It is not surprising that early accounts of steam-engine driven riverboats were located in the cities of coastal New York. In 1836 the Swallow was built in Brooklyn and at some point the Swallow was lengthened by an additional 23 feet (233' to 256'). The Swallow sank in 1845 after about 8 years of service. In addition to the North River Line of Robert Fulton another service called the People's Line was offering service between Albany and Manhattan NY.

[@mkendallpk4321]

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

[@roadweary5252]

Another great production, Tom! Well done

[@Urlocallordandsavior]

I agree!

[@jamesanderson3160]

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

[@ownlydown5933]

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

[@TheGreatBigMove]

Fantastic video. I appreciate that you focus on the quality of your content rather than the quantity.

[@SQUAREHEADSAM1912]

Nice to see you here, I love your content.

[@TheGreatBigMove]

@@SQUAREHEADSAM1912 Thank you!

[@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.

[@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!!

[@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!

[@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!!

[@thejudgmentalcat]

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

[@tresgooch]

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

[@ninamaria5409]

Thank you for going to my hometown! (Albany NY) I actually lived near Four Mile Point and never heard of this event. Great video!

[@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. 👍

[@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.

[@meleth98]

I’ve lived alongside the Hudson River almost my whole life and I’ve never heard this story. Thank you for sharing it!

[@nevinhedley1797]

Fascinating. And wonderfully presented. Thank you!

[@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.

[@RomeroTV]

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

[@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.

[@stevebruno7688]

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

[@andrewshaver5800]

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

[@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!)

[@shelleykrier7417]

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

[@koymokko2029]

This channel truly deserves more subscribers! Best from Finland!

[@imxploring]

As usual an incredible bit of storytelling! Thank you!

[@kalif404]

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

[@gregsmith1719]

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

[@teddyduncan1046]

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

[@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!

[@AndrewTyberg]

You did an excellent job telling the story!

[@deaf2819]

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

[@ndog2005]

Wow, this took research, Thank You. Being a huge follower of The Titanic, The Swallow is a 1st time..

[@LHWinfo]

Great video. Congratulations on the placement of the marker at the site!

[@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 !

[@luv2sail66]

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

[@jimdipreta8804]

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

[@shaunbolton4662]

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

[@dennissweeney6774]

Fulton's folly one of the great leap forward that took place on the HUDSON RIVER .thanks for the video i grew up in Yonkers on the Hudson river with the palisadies cliffs rising up out of the river is something to see especially in the autumn when the leaves change color it is breathtaking and a statue of ROBERT FULTON stands on the banks looking out on the river last stop in Yonkers on the Hudson river line on warburton ave at the bottom of Odell ave if you get a chance to see his satue and see the BEAUTIFUL HUDSON AND PALISADIES CLIFF what a site to see my friends take care and stay safe.

[@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.

[@colinwhite5355]

So often it seems that tranquility can become chaos and horror in the blink of an eye.

[@collinvall9505]

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

[@SudrianTales]

I do hope he survived.

[@rchiribogar]

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

[@towedarray7217]

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

[@pierolovatto6044]

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

[@daybird2]

I am quickly becoming a big fan of this channel!

[@jackdundon2261]

Outstanding job on this jigsaw puzzle of History thank you

[@friendlypiranha774]

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

[@DesmondBedarte]

Very informative and nicely put together presentation. I have been interested in that stretch of river for a while since working on the railroad that runs parallel. I did not hear if you mentioned how long that boat trip took from Manhattan to Albany. It is a long stretch of river which remains at sea level the whole way up to Albany.

[@piedpiper1172]

Ngl, I laughed at “struck the same rock and sank on top of the Swallow.” 10/10 work lads.

[@draggonsgate]

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

[@OdysseyLife1]

I'm just wishing they were all an hour long... 🤔😁 Love them! 💥💨✌️🤟😎