City of Syracuse
Passenger Steamer · United States · Lost Sank in stages: partially sank after being retired, was salvaged for parts, and finally dynamited to clear it, in the early 20th century · The Finger Lakes
The largest excursion steamer ever to sail Skaneateles Lake, now visible as a wooden wreck in shallow water off the village pier.
Become Captain of RecordSee Shipwreck on Map
The Vessel and Her Loss
Launched around the turn of the 20th century, City of Syracuse was the largest cruise steamer on Skaneateles Lake, carrying up to 600 passengers on moonlight excursions and camp runs. As newer boats made her obsolete, she was retired, partially sank, was stripped of usable parts, and was finally dynamited to clear her from the waterfront. More than a century later, her wooden frame remains visible in shallow water near the village pier.
Vessel
- 1899
- Not established
- Not established
- Wood
- 110 ft
- Not established
- Not established
- Steam
- Not established
Loss
- Sank in stages: partially sank after being retired, was salvaged for parts, and finally dynamited to clear it, in the early 20th century
- Intentional sinking
- Off the village pier, Skaneateles Lake
- Skaneateles Lake
- Not established
- Not established
- Not established
- Not established
- Not established
The Wreck Today
- 9 ft
- Partially intact wooden frame and debris visible in shallow, clear water near the village pier.
- Not established
- Not established
- Not established
Position
- 42.95° N 76.42° W
- Approximate position
- Skaneateles, New York
Located just southwest of the Skaneateles village pier, per local news reporting.
Evidence
Overall confidence: Partially documented (70/100)
The exact year of her final dynamiting and disposal is not precisely established in the sources reviewed.
Skaneateles Historical Society
Vessel dimensions, capacity, photographs, and general history.
Fate, current wreck location, and depth.
