The Saxon, originally a 1,193-ton steamer, was built in Philadelphia in 1862 during the American Civil War. After decades of service, by 1903, she was repurposed into a 555-ton barge. This transformation marked the end of her grand days as a steamer, reflecting the changing times and the relentless march of progress in early 20th-century America.
America at the Turn of the Century
In the early 1900s, the United States was a nation of contrasts. The South was still healing from the Civil War’s devastation, while the West remained wild and untamed. Despite these divisions, the country was booming with innovation, boasting 193,000 miles of railroad tracks, the first oil wells, and the rise of industrial magnates like Andrew Carnegie. Amidst this backdrop of growth and change, the Saxon, now a humble barge, sailed through waters that carried the weight of a nation in transition.
The Night of the Disaster
On a stormy night off the coast of North Carolina, the Saxon faced her final voyage. Surfmen from the Little Kinnakeet and Gull Shoal Life-Saving Stations spotted the ship’s masthead light but initially dismissed the danger. By the time they realized the Saxon was in distress, she had already grounded in the breakers. The crew, in a desperate attempt to save the ship, began offloading cargo as the relentless waves battered the vessel.
The Sole Survivor’s Account
First Mate Fred Lund, the sole survivor, detailed the tragic events that unfolded. When the towline connecting the Saxon to the tug Katahdin broke, the barge was left at the mercy of the storm. Despite attempts to reconnect the tow and drop anchor, the efforts were in vain, and the Saxon was dragged into the breakers. The crew’s final, desperate attempt to launch a boat into the raging sea ended in disaster, claiming the lives of nearly everyone on board.
A Tragic End in a Time of Transition
The Saxon’s demise serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by those who sailed the seas during a time of great change in America. Her tragic end, marked by the loss of nearly all hands, stands as a testament to the relentless power of nature and the courage of those who braved the unforgiving waters of the Atlantic.
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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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