The Pocahontas Shipwreck: A Civil War Relic in Salvo, NC
The Pocahontas shipwreck, often mistaken for the Richmond wreck, is a significant historical site located just off Sand Street in Salvo, North Carolina. This wooden paddle-wheel steamer was lost on January 28, 1862, during a storm while supporting the Burnside Expedition before the Battle of Roanoke Island. Strong winds rendered its boilers useless, and after numerous attempts to save the vessel, it ran ashore. Though no lives were lost, 90 of the 114 horses meant for the 4th Rhode Island Infantry and 25th Massachusetts tragically perished. Today, the remnants of the Pocahontas can still be seen about 75 yards from shore, marked by the paddle wheel shaft that protrudes from the water.
The Misidentification of the Pocahontas: Enter the SS Richmond
For years, the shipwreck near Salvo was misidentified as the Pocahontas, even appearing as such in various publications, including Gary Gentile’s famous work. However, further investigation revealed that the wreck is actually the SS Richmond, a former British blockade runner named Blenheim. Built in 1848 in Glasgow, Scotland, the Blenheim was used to run the Union blockade during the Civil War. After being captured near Fort Fisher in 1865, the steamer was auctioned off, renamed SS Richmond, and repurposed for other voyages.
The True Story of the SS Richmond
The SS Richmond ran aground at Salvo on January 25, 1866, after a faulty compass led her off course during a trip from Savannah, GA, to Baltimore, MD. What remains of this once grand vessel is its steam engine and a section of the paddle wheel, visible from the beach. Local Hatteras Island residents had long suspected that the wreck was the Richmond, and the presence of a “steeple” engine, a unique British design, confirmed their suspicions. The Richmond was the only ship with this type of engine to run aground in Northern North Carolina.
Visiting the Wreck
The site of the SS Richmond, formerly thought to be the Pocahontas, is easily accessible. During the summer months, the National Park Service may restrict vehicle access near the wreck, but you can always walk along the beach to reach it. In the off-season, you can drive up to the site by taking Ramp 23 just north of Salvo. With the engine parts visible above the water, the wreck is a popular spot for both divers and history enthusiasts alike, providing a unique glimpse into the maritime history of the Outer Banks.
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Join Us Next Saturday
We hope you found this episode of “Ocean Echoes: North Carolina’s Shipwreck Chronicles” both informative and moving. Join us next Saturday as we continue to uncover more stories of sunken ships and maritime mysteries. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated on our latest episodes. Thank you for joining us on this journey through history. Until next time, stay curious and keep exploring!
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