Lake Champlain, Burlington’s Hill Section, and historic shipwrecks
Monday, August 10th, 2009The Lake Champlain Quadricentennial brought some renewed attention to the lake’s many shipwrecks. These Lake Cham
plain, particularly Burlington, shipping disasters must have been easily viewed from Burlington’s Hill Section, where many of the historic homes here still feature “widows walks.” From these roof-top perches, captains could view their ships at anchor in Burlington Harbor and captains’ wives could view the safe return of their spouses.
Lake Champlain with Over 300 Historic Shipwrecks
Lake Champlain is home to more that 300 historic shipwrecks! A recent Vermont Public Radio series details these historic shipping disasters on Lake Champlain (History Under the Waves).
The Steamship Phoenix Burning
This fascinating series describes the sinking of several ships including one of the first steamboats in the United States. The Phoenix was a side-wheel steamer active during the early 1800s. It sank engulfed in flames after a pantry fire spread throughout the ship on September 5, 1819. The ship sank just north of Burlington at Colchester Reef.
Burlington Lake View Home
The tale of this disaster includes casualties, a theft, a lifeboat shortage, and the bravery of a substitute captain (the ship’s captain was home with the flu, his son filled in for him on this momentous occasion). Learn more about the Phoenix here.
While none of these Burlington homes existed that fateful night, they do afford great views of the lake: