Transportation

Americans have always been a people on the move—on rails, roads, and waterways (for travel through the air, visit the National Air and Space Museum). In the transportation collections, railroad objects range from tools, tracks, and many train models to the massive 1401, a 280-ton locomotive built in 1926. Road vehicles include coaches, buggies, wagons, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, and automobiles—from the days before the Model T to modern race cars. The accessories of travel are part of the collections, too, from streetlights, gas pumps, and traffic signals to goggles and overcoats.

In the maritime collections, more than 7,000 design plans and scores of ship models show the evolution of sailing ships and other vessels. Other items range from scrimshaw, photographs, and marine paintings to life jackets from the Titanic.

The Indiana was built in 1872 by Wm. Cramp & Sons in Philadelphia, PA. The ship measured 375 feet in length, 43 feet 8 inches in beam, and 3,126 tons. Indiana was one of the first four iron trans-Atlantic ships built in the United States.
Description
The Indiana was built in 1872 by Wm. Cramp & Sons in Philadelphia, PA. The ship measured 375 feet in length, 43 feet 8 inches in beam, and 3,126 tons. Indiana was one of the first four iron trans-Atlantic ships built in the United States. Indiana's sister ships include Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Indiana. The ship was owned by the American Line and was in service between Europe and America.
The Indiana was insured by INA. The painting shows a starboard view of the steamship sailing in rough water. There is a keystone painted on its stack representing the Pennsylvania Railroad, which partly owned the American Line. The ship is driven by both sail and steam, with the sails helping to keep the ship steady. The CIGNA collection has a painting of Indiana's sister ship Pennsylvania.
Samuel Walters (1811-1882) was a British marine painter. The painting style is typical of his later seascapes. It is painted with a broad brushstroke and has a wet appearance. Also, it is the typical angle of his ships at this time.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1875
maker
Walters, Samuel
ID Number
2005.0279.013
accession number
2005.0279
catalog number
2005.0279.013
Ship sailing on rough sea.Currently not on view
Description
Ship sailing on rough sea.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
20th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0279.004
accession number
2005.0279
catalog number
2005.0279.004
The painting shows a small rowing craft with seven men heading toward a wrecked sailing vessel in stormy seas. In the distance, buildings can be seen on the shore off to the right. The background may be near New York.
Description
The painting shows a small rowing craft with seven men heading toward a wrecked sailing vessel in stormy seas. In the distance, buildings can be seen on the shore off to the right. The background may be near New York. Unlike more formal ship portraits, this painting does not depict a particular ship.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1882
maker
Briscoe, Franklin D.
ID Number
2005.0279.018
accession number
2005.0279
catalog number
2005.0279.018
Grinnell, Minturn & Company owned two ships named Ontario. Benjamin Minturn also owned a third ship named Ontario with John T. Champlin. The ship featured in the painting is most likely Ontario (II).
Description
Grinnell, Minturn & Company owned two ships named Ontario. Benjamin Minturn also owned a third ship named Ontario with John T. Champlin. The ship featured in the painting is most likely Ontario (II). It was built in New Castle, Maine for Grinnell, Minturn & Company in 1854, measuring 202 feet in length, 40 feet 3 inches in beam, 20 feet in depth of hold, and 1,501 tons. The ship entered the Blue Swallowtail Line service in 1854, sailing regularly from New York to Liverpool until 1858. From 1858 to 1863 it conducted regular service from New York to London for the Red Swallowtail Line. Both the Blue Swallowtail Line and Red Swallowtail Line were owned by Grinnell, Minturn & Company. After 1863 the ship did not sail for any regular service but made trips between New York and Europe when needed. The company was active until about 1880.
The painting shows a right profile of the vessel sailing off Dover Castle, one of the oldest and largest castles in England. This site is known as "the Gateway to England," as it marks the shortest distance across the English Channel to France. Ontario is showing the U.S. jack in diminutive form and is calling for a pilot; all its sails are unfurled except one in the rear. The ship is flying the Marryat Code 1/9162. The Grinnell house flag, which is blue and white with a swallow tail, is also flying. There is a carved flag swag on the bow of the ship. Other sailing and steam vessels can be seen in the distance.
Richard B. Spencer was a British painter active between 1840 and 1873. His subjects were mainly sailing vessels or naval engagements. Spencer is considered a folk artist, as he had no formal training in art.
Location
Currently not on view
artist
Spencer, R. B.
ID Number
2005.0279.010
accession number
2005.0279
catalog number
2005.0279.010
The Thomas Battersby was built in New Brunswick, Canada in 1825 by John Wilson. The ship measured 102 feet long and 323 tons. The Thomas Battersby was owned by Richard Battersby, and its home port was reported as Belfast.
Description
The Thomas Battersby was built in New Brunswick, Canada in 1825 by John Wilson. The ship measured 102 feet long and 323 tons. The Thomas Battersby was owned by Richard Battersby, and its home port was reported as Belfast. Thomas Battersby was built as a scow and rerigged by 1845 as a brig. It was in the cotton trade between Liverpool and New Orleans, and was last listed in the Lloyd's register in 1847.
The painting shows two views of the same ship, the view of the stern employed to show the name of the ship. Liverpool is visible in the back ground with a good view of the industrial buildings. There are several smaller craft in the painting.
Artist Miles Walters was born in 1774 and died in 1849. He was a shipwright, and later a seaman. After leaving the sea Miles moved to London. He later moved to Liverpool with third son Samuel Walters (1811-1882), where he was listed in the directories as an artist. He worked on several pieces with his son Samuel who studied at the Liverpool Mechanics School of Arts. Samuel became one of the most popular marine painters of his time.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1830
maker
Walters, Miles
Walters, Samuel
ID Number
2005.0279.030
accession number
2005.0279
catalog number
2005.0279.030
The Mirage was built at West Hartlepool, England in 1855 by John Pile. It measured 180 feet long and 965 tons. Mirage was the first ship launched from Hartlepool, after John Pile had been asked to set up a shipyard there by Ralph Ward Jackson. It was commanded by Captain J.
Description
The Mirage was built at West Hartlepool, England in 1855 by John Pile. It measured 180 feet long and 965 tons. Mirage was the first ship launched from Hartlepool, after John Pile had been asked to set up a shipyard there by Ralph Ward Jackson. It was commanded by Captain J. Roberts. Mirage was primarily involved in trade between England and China.
The painting by Thomas Dutton shows the Mirage entering the Mersey River off the coast of Anglesey, England. South Stack Lighthouse, Puffin Island, the Skerries, and Holyhead are visible.
Artist Thomas Goldsworthy Dutton was born in 1819. He is best known for his lithographs of shipping scenes, though he did create watercolor and oil paintings as well. In 1844 he was recorded as a lithographic artist and marine draftsman. He died in 1891.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1865
maker
Dutton, Thomas G.
ID Number
2005.0279.043
accession number
2005.0279
catalog number
2005.0279.043
The Battle of Manila Bay took place on May 1, 1898. The battle was fought between the American Pacific Squadron and the Spanish Pacific Squadron, near the Philippines during the Spanish-American War.
Description
The Battle of Manila Bay took place on May 1, 1898. The battle was fought between the American Pacific Squadron and the Spanish Pacific Squadron, near the Philippines during the Spanish-American War. The American fleet was commanded by Commodore George Dewey, the Spanish by Admiral Patricio Montojo y Pasarón. The flagships of the battle were USS Olympia for the Americans and Reina Cristina for the Spanish. Seven American ships fought against nine Spanish ships though several small gunboats, equipped with weapons from land defenses, also took part in the battle. USS Olympia was built by Union Iron Works in San Francisco, California; it was launched in 1892 and was first commissioned under the command of John J. Reed. USS Olympia measured 344 feet long and 5,586 tons. Reina Cristina was built in Ferrol, Spain; when the ship was launched in 1887 it measured 278 feet long and 3,042 tons. The Battle of Manila Bay led to a major American victory; all the Spanish ships in the squadron were either destroyed, like Reina Cristina, or surrendered.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1898
maker
Mullen, F.
ID Number
2005.0279.035
accession number
2005.0279
catalog number
2005.0279.035
The Mary Ann and Jane was built in Sunderland in 1853. It measured 114 feet in length, 26 feet 5 inches in beam, 17 feet 2 inches in depth, and 349 tons. The ship was originally owned by Ogilsby until 1861 when W. Allison gained ownership. Later, in 1866, it was sold to M. Reay.
Description
The Mary Ann and Jane was built in Sunderland in 1853. It measured 114 feet in length, 26 feet 5 inches in beam, 17 feet 2 inches in depth, and 349 tons. The ship was originally owned by Ogilsby until 1861 when W. Allison gained ownership. Later, in 1866, it was sold to M. Reay. After 1872, the ship dropped out of Lloyds Registry. Mary Ann and Jane is pictured with the port side in view under full sail off the coast of Tynemouth. The ship is flying the British flag at the stern and a blue pennant on top reads "Mary Ann and Jane". It is sailing on choppy green seas and other vessels can be seen in the background. John Scott was a Newcastle painter born in 1840. He worked mainly in oils. Typically his paintings featured England's eastern coastline as the background.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1866
maker
Scott, John
ID Number
2005.0279.048
accession number
2005.0279
catalog number
2005.0279.048
The painting shows an unidentified British merchant vessel of the period 1850-1860.
Description
The painting shows an unidentified British merchant vessel of the period 1850-1860. It is in the process of lowering its jib sails or sails at the bow (front) of the vessel, clewing up its mainsail and reefing its topgallants and royals or shortening its sails for slowing down, as illustrated by the men out on the yards. The merchant vessel is requesting a pilot, and Pilot Boat #21 is approaching the ship just off its port bow.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1860
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0279.053
accession number
2005.0279
catalog number
2005.0279.053
This large oil of a shipwreck is by Anglo-American artist Edward Moran (1829-1901), best known for his marine paintings. Born in England, he and his three brothers were trained in weaving by their father; all four later became artists.
Description
This large oil of a shipwreck is by Anglo-American artist Edward Moran (1829-1901), best known for his marine paintings. Born in England, he and his three brothers were trained in weaving by their father; all four later became artists. The family emigrated to Maryland in 1844, and Moran is listed as an artist in the 1857 New York city directory. In 1862 he returned to England and Europe, where he studied for a decade. Throughout his life he continued to travel extensively and paint.
This particular painting depicts a large, unnamed sailing ship in her death throes. The vessel has been dismasted-almost certainly by the storm filling the background and whipping up the sea in the foreground. The ship is down by the stern and listing or leaning to the starboard side, shipping water. Two upper masts are visible in the water in the foreground, with men clinging to them for life support. Many common sailors did not know how to swim, so they had to hold onto something floating if they had any hope of rescue. Two life boats are pulling for the men trapped on the rigging, fishing desperate sailors out of the water as they can. It is not clear whether the small boats are from the sinking ship or a rescue vessel.
While the vessel's name is unknown, the presence of an open gunport in the port bow indicates a warship. Merchant vessels often had painted gunports along their hulls to look more dangerous from a distance, but the water running out of the corner of this one indicates the real thing. But lacking any means of identification, the painting is probably best viewed as an allegory for the power of nature over man.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1858
maker
Moran, Edward
ID Number
2005.0279.002
accession number
2005.0279
catalog number
2005.0279.002
The painting shows two vessels in rough water, possibly off Cape Horn. At an earlier time, it was thought that this was a painting of the clipper Sea Witch, but this is most likely not the case.Currently not on view
Description
The painting shows two vessels in rough water, possibly off Cape Horn. At an earlier time, it was thought that this was a painting of the clipper Sea Witch, but this is most likely not the case.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
unknown
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0279.011
catalog number
2005.0279.011
accession number
2005.0279
USS Pennsylvania was built in 1872 by Wm. Cramp & Sons in Philadelphia, PA. The ship measured 375 feet in length, 43 feet 8 inches in beam, and 3,104 tons. Pennsylvania was one of the first four iron transatlantic liners built in the United States.
Description
USS Pennsylvania was built in 1872 by Wm. Cramp & Sons in Philadelphia, PA. The ship measured 375 feet in length, 43 feet 8 inches in beam, and 3,104 tons. Pennsylvania was one of the first four iron transatlantic liners built in the United States. Sister ships were Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. The Pennsylvania was sold in 1884 to the International Navigation company. Later, in 1898 the ship was sold to the Alaska Steamship Company. The Pennsylvania made its first Atlantic crossing in May 1873. While returning from Europe in 1874, Pennsylvania encountered a severe gale which swept the captain, first and second officers, and two seamen from the bridge of the ship. They were drowned, leaving no one to command the ship. One of the passengers, C. L. Brady, formerly the third officer on the White Star liner Atlantic, took over and brought the ship in.
The painting shows a portside profile of the steamer in vigorous seas. To the distant left, a small sailing craft is approaching. The plate on the original frame reads "American Line Ship S/S Pennsylvania, Organized by the Penna. R.R. 1871, First Crossing to England, 1873, Built by Wm. Cramp & Sons." The CIGNA collection contains a painting of Pennsylvania's sister ship Indiana.
The painter, James Hamilton (1819-1878), was born in Ireland and came to Philadelphia with his family at age 15. He probably painted this picture sometime between the time the ship was built in 1872 and 1875, when he sold most of his possessions in order to take a trip around the world. In 1878, he died while in San Francisco, before his journey was complete.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1872
maker
Hamilton, James
ID Number
2005.0279.012
accession number
2005.0279
catalog number
2005.0279.012
The Ocean Rover was built in 1854 by Tobey & Littlefield in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. It measured 162 feet in length, 43 feet in beam, 23 feet in depth of hold, and 777 tons. Under the command of Captain McLauren F. Pickering, it participated in the trans-Atlantic cotton trade.
Description
The Ocean Rover was built in 1854 by Tobey & Littlefield in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. It measured 162 feet in length, 43 feet in beam, 23 feet in depth of hold, and 777 tons. Under the command of Captain McLauren F. Pickering, it participated in the trans-Atlantic cotton trade. In 1863 it was sold to owners in Salem, Massachusetts. Later, around 1868, it was sold to a Captain Carlton. On July 18, 1870 it struck a reef in the River Jeganna, Pernambucco, Brazil.
The painting shows the Ocean Rover entering an unidentified English port. There is a storm, and the crew has been ordered aloft to reef the sails so the captain could gain better control of the ship. There is some floating wreckage to the left. In the background towards the left, there is a wooded coast with a church and other buildings.
W. Webb was a British marine painter active from 1860-1895. According to the British marine painting authority A.S. Davidson, W. Webb commonly used Dover as the background in his paintings, although the background of this painting is different than the one usually used. Webb portrayed English sailing vessels exclusively. There is a suspicion that Webb may have been a pseudonym used by Spencer. The water in the painting is similar to Spencer's style.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1868
maker
Webb, W.
ID Number
2005.0279.064
accession number
2005.0279
catalog number
2005.0279.064
Matilda Wattenbach was built under special Lloyd's Registry of Shipping survey in 1853 by Frederick C. Clark in Jersey, England for J.J Helhuish and T.H.A. Wattenbach. The ship measured 210 feet in length, 35 feet in beam, 20 feet in depth of hold, and 1,058 tons.
Description
Matilda Wattenbach was built under special Lloyd's Registry of Shipping survey in 1853 by Frederick C. Clark in Jersey, England for J.J Helhuish and T.H.A. Wattenbach. The ship measured 210 feet in length, 35 feet in beam, 20 feet in depth of hold, and 1,058 tons. It first appears in Lloyd's Register in 1854. The Matilda Wattenback was a metal-sheathed vessel that traded between Great Britain and New Zealand and later participated in the China trade. In 1864 the ship's name changed to Race Horse.
The painting shows a front view of the ship under full sail from off the port bow. Montague Dawson (1895-1973) was a British painter whose father and grandfather were also well-known artists. During World War I he illustrated naval engagements. After the war, he specialized in the portrayal of clipper ships in full sail.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1935-1937
maker
Dawson, Montague
ID Number
2005.0279.016
accession number
2005.0279
catalog number
2005.0279.016
The Hurricane was an extreme clipper ship built in 1850 by Issac C. Smith in Hoboken, New Jersey. The ship measured 215 feet long and 1,680 tons. Hurricane was owned by C.W. & H. Thomas of New York. While owned by C.W. & H. Thomas it was captained by Samuel Very.
Description
The Hurricane was an extreme clipper ship built in 1850 by Issac C. Smith in Hoboken, New Jersey. The ship measured 215 feet long and 1,680 tons. Hurricane was owned by C.W. & H. Thomas of New York. While owned by C.W. & H. Thomas it was captained by Samuel Very. Hurricane traded from New York to China. It was reported to be the first ship ever to travel 400 nautical miles in 24 hours. Hurricane was one of only three ships at the time to have a moon-sail on its main mast, a moon-sail is a sail flown immediately above a sky-sail, and it was generally only used on ships of a large size. After the depression of 1857 had made the ship unprofitable, it was sold at Singapore to the British in 1860. The ship was renamed the Shaw-Allum, and is in the register as late as 1876. In the painting, Hurricane is flying the American Flag at Whampoa Island. Pagoda Island is visible in the background, along with some buildings and docks.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1850-1857
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0279.039
accession number
2005.0279
catalog number
2005.0279.039
Chacma was built in 1868 by W. Pile and Company in Sunderland, England. She measured 174 feet in length, 29 feet 2 inches in beam, 17 feet 9 inches in depth of hold, and 569 tons.
Description
Chacma was built in 1868 by W. Pile and Company in Sunderland, England. She measured 174 feet in length, 29 feet 2 inches in beam, 17 feet 9 inches in depth of hold, and 569 tons. Owned by John Hay, she traded between Sunderland and India under Captain Thorpe until 1890, when she was sold to Norwegians. The painting features Dover harbor and Dover Castle in the distance. The ship is flying a swallow tail flag. R.B Spencer was a British painter active between 1840 and 1874.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1868
maker
Spencer, R. B.
ID Number
2005.0279.052
accession number
2005.0279
catalog number
2005.0279.052
The sailing vessel Higginson was built in 1814 in Liverpool, England. It measured 115 feet in length and weighed 453 tons. The vessel was owned by Sir William Barton, George Irlam, and John Higginson. When Barton died in 1826, Irlam and Higginson took up his share.
Description
The sailing vessel Higginson was built in 1814 in Liverpool, England. It measured 115 feet in length and weighed 453 tons. The vessel was owned by Sir William Barton, George Irlam, and John Higginson. When Barton died in 1826, Irlam and Higginson took up his share. It was active in the Liverpool-West Indies trade from 1814-1839. In 1839 it disappeared from the registry. Humphrey Owen purchased it in February 1848 after its former owners declared bankruptcy. Subsequently, Higginson sailed with W.H. Owens, the owner's son, as master from the Menai Straits to New York with cargos of slate and emigrants. The Welsh American paper, Y Cyfaill noted in 1850 that 150 Welshman arrived in New York on Higginson.
The painting by Samuel Walters shows the Higginson in the Mersey River, arriving at Liverpool, England. It is a harbor scene showing a good view of the city of Liverpool waterfront with churches, municipal buildings, mills and fortifications are shown. Evernton Hill is in the background. A three-part view of the ship shows the Higginson from starboard, astern, and port. The main view is a starboard profile with the sails unfurled. Several other smaller craft can be seen in the harbor.
According to A.S. Davidson in the book Samuel Walters - Marine Painter (1992, p.64), "The convention of successive views relates a progressive furling of sail, and alteration of course, until the vessel finally comes to anchor stemming the incoming tide off the distant Liverpool docks. Identity is possible from the inscription "Higginson-Liverpool" on the stern in the port quarter view, and the Liverpool Code flags, 1, 8, on the foremast.
Miles Walters (1773-1855) was a British tradesman and marine painter. Samuel Walters (1811-1882) under the influence and guidance of his father also became a marine painter. This painting may be a collaborative product of both men.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1831
maker
Walters, Samuel
Walters, Miles
ID Number
2005.0279.055
accession number
2005.0279
catalog number
2005.0279.055
Great Republic was designed by Donald McKay and built in 1853. It was built in East Boston and originally measured 335 feet long and 4,555 tons.
Description
Great Republic was designed by Donald McKay and built in 1853. It was built in East Boston and originally measured 335 feet long and 4,555 tons. Great Republic was the largest clipper ship ever built in the United States designed to carry 6,000 tons dead weight.
The first Great Republic was partially destroyed by a fire while in New York in 1853. Great Republic was insured by INA along with New York Mutual at $175,000. After the fire, the policy was cancelled and the premium was returned. Nothing in INA records indicates what exclusion may have prompted this action. The ship was bought by A.A. Low & Brother of New York and rebuilt in Greenpoint, Long Island by Sneeden & Whitlock under the supervision of Captain N.B. Palmer. It was rebuilt to a smaller scale with three decks instead of four and with a reduced length of 302 feet and a tonnage of 3,357.
Great Republic was first captained by Joseph Limeburner. Shortly after its first voyage from New York to Liverpool the ship was contracted by the French to run supplies to Marseilles at 17 shillings per ton per month. Following the completion of the contract with France, Great Republic primarily traded between San Francisco and New York, making several stops in Liverpool as well. In 1861, during the Civil War, the ship was detained at New York because a majority of her owners were southerners. The shares of the southerners were bought by A.A. Low & Brother, co-owners, and the ship was released. Great Republic was then contracted by the United States Government for transport purposes, and made a trip to Port Royal, Jamaica. On the Great Republic's last voyage in 1864 from New York to San Francisco the ship was captained by Josiah Paul. In 1865, it was laid up for a year in New York. The ship was then sold in 1866 to parties in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, and was captained by J. Smith Hatfield. The Great Republic was purchased again in 1868 by the Merchants Trading Company and was renamed the Denmark. On a trip to load lumber for Great Britain she began to leak and was abandoned.
The painting shows Great Republic's portside profile, as it was rebuilt after the fire. Several small sailing vessels are also included, as well as a pilot ship with #2 on the sail. Artist James Guy Evans was born circa 1810 and died in 1859. He moved to New Orleans in 1843 and opened a studio specializing in the portraits of ships and boats. He worked in New Orleans partnered with Edward Arnold circa 1840.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1853
maker
Evans, J. G.
ID Number
2005.0279.025
accession number
2005.0279
catalog number
2005.0279.025
Nautilus was a 12-gun brig of war in the British East India Company's private navy. The painting shows the Nautilus fighting off four Arab pirate ships, under Commander Walker on October 18, 1808. Shinas is a village on the Gulf of Oman north of Suhar.Thomas L.
Description
Nautilus was a 12-gun brig of war in the British East India Company's private navy. The painting shows the Nautilus fighting off four Arab pirate ships, under Commander Walker on October 18, 1808. Shinas is a village on the Gulf of Oman north of Suhar.
Thomas L. Hornbrook (1780-1850) was born in Plymouth, England. He possibly visited the East Indies between 1806 and 1810. Hornbrook specialized in scenes depicting British trading vessels. He became the official marine painter for both the Dutchess of Kent and Queen Victoria. His signature appears on pieces of wood floating in the foreground of his paintings.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1840
maker
Hornbrook, Thomas L.
ID Number
2005.0279.060
accession number
2005.0279
catalog number
2005.0279.060
The original of this 1883 chromolithograph titled Under the Palisades was painted by Frederic S. Cozzens. It shows two large iron-hulled yachts at anchor beside the Palisades along the Hudson River, and a smaller boat sailing in the foreground.
Description
The original of this 1883 chromolithograph titled Under the Palisades was painted by Frederic S. Cozzens. It shows two large iron-hulled yachts at anchor beside the Palisades along the Hudson River, and a smaller boat sailing in the foreground. The smaller of the two yachts is the iron screw steamer Stranger. Built in 1881 by William Cramp and Sons of Philadelphia, at the time the yacht was the pinnacle of yacht construction. Stranger measured 185 feet long, 23 feet wide, 9 feet 3½ inches deep and weighed 247 tons. Averaging 15 knots, its owner George Osgood of New York astounded his friends by breakfasting in Newport, RI, then sailing to New York City in time for dinner. The yacht was sold to E. S. Jaffrey by 1886, and again sold to George S. Scott. It was then purchased in 1890 by H.C. Hoagland of New York, NY for $75,000. In 1893 it was sold to George Lewis, Jr. and his wife Mary. The larger yacht is Atlanta. Built in 1883 at a cost of $250,000, also by William Cramp and Sons, this 248 foot long, 508-ton yacht was capable of speeds exceeding 20 knots with its 1,400 hp engines. It was owned by Jay Gould, a leading American railroad developer and speculator. Vastly exceeding the splendor of Stranger, Atlanta was fitted with magnificent hardwood saloons and staterooms. Underneath the hardwood floors in the staterooms were fitted porcelain bathtubs that could be filled with either heated fresh or salt water. They were accessible by means of removable floor panels, which saved the room's occupant from the inconvenience of leaving his room if he desired a bath. In a 95-mile race from Larchmont to New London, Atlanta finished 11 minutes ahead of Stranger. In 1894 the yacht was bought by George Gould for $100,000. In the foreground, the small iron screw steamer Rover sails by.
It was built in 1883 by the American Ship Company of Philadelphia, owned by Commander Henry Honychurch Gorringe, a Civil War hero who had several years before brought Cleopatra's Needle, an ancient Egyptian stone monument, to New York. Frederic S. Cozzens (1846-1928) was an American marine painter famous for his large portfolio of yacht racing lithographs. He lived in Staten Island and exhibited with the Boston Art Club, the Mystic Seaport Association, and the Brooklyn Art Association.
date made
1884
artist
Cozzens, Frederic Schiller
maker
Charles Scribner's Sons
ID Number
2005.0279.118
catalog number
2005.0279.118
accession number
2005.0279
The Lancaster was built in 1823 in Lancaster, England. It weighed 353 tons. From 1833 to 1840 it was owned by Sir J. Tobin, who was mayor of Liverpool in 1819.
Description
The Lancaster was built in 1823 in Lancaster, England. It weighed 353 tons. From 1833 to 1840 it was owned by Sir J. Tobin, who was mayor of Liverpool in 1819. The Lancaster traded between Liverpool, England, and Africa and was reported missing in 1840.
The painting by Miles Walters presents a dual view of the ship showing its profile and rear view. A small pilot ship is approaching Lancaster. Artist Miles Walters was born in 1774 and died in 1849. He was a shipwright (and later a seaman), after leaving the sea, Miles moved to London. He later moved to Liverpool with his third son Samuel Walters (1811-1882), where he was listed in the directories as an artist. Miles and Samuel worked on several marine paintings together.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1830
maker
Walters, Miles
ID Number
2005.0279.038
accession number
2005.0279
catalog number
2005.0279.038
Pocahontas was built by the Houghton Brothers in 1855. The ship was constructed in Bath, Maine and measured 193.6 feet long and 1196 tons. Pocahontas was engaged in the trade of cotton and manufactured goods between New Orleans and Liverpool.
Description
Pocahontas was built by the Houghton Brothers in 1855. The ship was constructed in Bath, Maine and measured 193.6 feet long and 1196 tons. Pocahontas was engaged in the trade of cotton and manufactured goods between New Orleans and Liverpool. The Houghton Brothers operated one of the largest and most successful fleets of Bath deep-sea full-rigged ships. The Houghton Brothers designed many deep-sea cargo carriers; Pocahontas was one of their few vessels that sacrificed cargo space for speed. Though the ship was still designed as a Down Easter, it was nicknamed "a clipper" because of its speed.
The painting is a portside view of Pocahontas. The ship is shown sailing up St. George's Channel just outside Liverpool. There are several other vessels sailing about. Artist William Howard Yorke was born in Saint John, New Brunswick and moved to Liverpool as a child. Yorke's father William Gay Yorke was also a painter. William Howard Yorke's earliest known painting was done in 1858 and his latest done in 1913.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1857
maker
Yorke, Jr., William Howard
ID Number
2005.0279.027
accession number
2005.0279
catalog number
2005.0279.027
The was originally built as the barque Robert Barbour. It was built in 1862 by Brown in Richibucto, New Brunswick. Robert Barbour measured 146 feet long and 561 tons. Its first owners were Duff and Company and it traded between Liverpool and India.
Description
The was originally built as the barque Robert Barbour. It was built in 1862 by Brown in Richibucto, New Brunswick. Robert Barbour measured 146 feet long and 561 tons. Its first owners were Duff and Company and it traded between Liverpool and India. Around 1867 Robert Barbour was sold to J.C. Johnson of Norway and its name was changed to Otteren, which means "the otter" in English. The Otteren was listed as abandoned by Lloyds in 1886.
The painting is a profile of Otteren with all its sails unfurled. A steamer to the right and several small sailing vessels to the left are visible. The ensign flown by the vessels is unique and is not readily recognized by Norwegians. At this time period Norway and Sweden were united under Sweden's monarch, as Norway had no king. Norway only began using its current flag in 1905 when a king from Denmark took the throne. Norway combined the flags, taking the yellow horizontal stripe of the Swedes and the Blue vertical bar of the Norwegians. In the painting the yellow bar is fading.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1849
maker
Maryford, W. Mitchell
ID Number
2005.0279.040
accession number
2005.0279
catalog number
2005.0279.040
The painting by Marinus Drulman shows an unidentified steamship entering a crowded Rotterdam Harbor.
Description
The painting by Marinus Drulman shows an unidentified steamship entering a crowded Rotterdam Harbor. The port of Rotterdam, in the Netherlands, dates back to the 14th century and is the largest port in Europe.
In the painting, there are several smaller vessels surrounding the steamship. In the background appears a lot of harbor activity. The sky is gray and filled with smoke from the ships, and the sea is still and dark.
Artist Marinus Johannus Drulman (1912-1978) worked under the pseudonym M. de Jongere. He was born in Amsterdam and was known mainly for painting harbors and landscapes.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1954
maker
de Jongere, M.
ID Number
2005.0279.051
accession number
2005.0279
catalog number
2005.0279.051

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