USS New Orleans, Ship-of-the-Line-- Part 3

From usgennet.

In February 1884, while the USS New Orleans was undergoing demolition, it collapsed, killing James Oates and seriously injuring three others while another eight narrowly escaped injury. Mr. Oates was horribly mutilated with a spike through his head and a bolt through his back.

The New Orleans had survived for many years since construction on it began way back in 1815 at Sackets Harbor, New York. The ship was named after General Jackson's glorious victory at the Battle of New Orleans.

The New Orleans was pierced for 110 guns but could carry 120. Wood for construction came from the surrounding countryside while nails, spikes and bolts were forged on the grounds. Gun Carriages were carried from the Mohawk Valley and made of mahogony and lignumvitae.

Some people today believe the New Orleans might have been more intended to be a floating battery at the head of the St. Lawrence River since its wood was green.

Work stopped with the coming of peace and the New Orleans remained in stocks and eventually the government had a house erected around it. It became a big tourist attraction as people came to see the monster ship.

Alfred Wilkinson of Syracuse bought it at auction for a $400 bid and reportedly cleared a profit of $4,000 by selling salvage from it.

Today, there is an exhibit about the New Orleans at the Sackets Harbor Visitors Center at the Augustus Sacket Mansion right near where the old ship stood for so many years.

--Brock-Perry