Henry Clay (steamship)
| History | |
|---|---|
 United States
|
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| Name: | Henry Clay |
| Namesake: | Henry Clay |
| Owner: | Thomas Collyer, William Radford, & John Tallman |
| Route: | New York City – Albany |
| Builder: | Thomas Collyer, New York City |
| Launched: | August 1851 |
| Fate: | Caught fire and destroyed, July 28, 1852 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type: | Side-wheel paddle steamer |
| Length: | 198 ft (60 m) |
| Propulsion: | Walking beam steam engine |
| Capacity: | 500 passengers |
Henry Clay was an American side paddle wheel steamboat that was involved in the Hudson River's worst steam disaster, near Riverdale, in The Bronx, New York, on July 28, 1852. The Henry Clay launched in August 1851, was in service between Albany, New York and New York City in competition with other steamships and the Hudson River Railroad which had been completed along the east shore of the Hudson River to East Albany by 1851.
On July 28, 1852, she was sailing on the Hudson River from the river port of Albany, New York, to New York City. As she neared Riverdale, New York, a fire broke out aboard. Reports indicated that upwards of five hundred people were on board with only two lifeboats, which proved useless. Many of the victims came from prestigious families which made the disaster more newsworthy. Among the known victims was Stephen Allen, a former mayor of New York City. Congress, previously reluctant to pursue further steamboat legislation, was forced by the public to push through new regulations.
The Henry Clay was built by Thomas Collyer in 1851. Not much is known about the specifications of the steamboat but its length was 198 feet and it used a walking beam engine. Its promenade deck ran the entire length of the boat. Collyer, the builder, owned a five-eighths interest in the Henry Clay. He shared ownership with William Radford, Esq. who owned a two-eighth interest. Captain John Tallman, the captain of the Henry Clay for this particular day's run, owned a one-eighth interest. The Henry Clay ran on routes up and down the Hudson River at various points of departure and varying distances between Albany, New York and New York City.
The steamships Henry Clay and Armenia left Albany on July 28, 1852. Thomas Collyer, who built both ships, was in command of the Clay, while the Armenia was owned and piloted by Captain Isaac Smith. According to Allynne Lange, curator of the Hudson River Maritime Museum, steamboat racing was common between captains. “[T]he idea was the fastest boat would attract the most passengers.”
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