Nathaniel Currier's hand-colored lithograph, Awful Wreck of the STEAM PACKET HOME: on her passage from New York to Charleston, by which melancholy occurrence NINETY-FIVE PERSONS PERISHED
SS Home was a steampacket ship built in 1836 and wrecked in 1837 during Racer's Storm with a loss of 90 lives. She was commanded by Captain Carleton White.
History
Home was built for Mr. James P. Allaire, of New York City, a paddle steamer of 537 tons, 220 feet (67 m) long and with a beam of 22 feet (6.7 m), propelled by two sidewheels mounted amidships. Like other ships of her day, Home had masts, sails, and rigging as well.
Home was built for river trade, but was converted into a passenger ship. Her interior was paneled in deep mahogany and cherrywood with skylights, saloons, and luxurious passenger quarters. A total of US$115,000 was spent converting Home for ocean voyages, but she was equipped with only three lifeboats and two life preservers. She was uninsured.
On Saturday, 7 October 1837, Home left New York City for Charleston, South Carolina, with about 90 passengers and 40 crew aboard. Home had made only two previous voyages to Charleston. Home struck a sandbar off New Jersey. Unaware of the extent of the damage, her captain proceeded on schedule for Charleston. She encountered the 1837 Racer's Storm and started taking on water as she rounded Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. She was put aground to ride out the developing storm. Before rescue operations could be effected the next day, the Home was torn to pieces by the surf and 90 people died.
United States
