State of Pennsylvania
Steamship · United States · Lost 1970 · Delaware Bay & the Approaches
The flagship excursion steamer of the Wilson Line settled into the Christina River mud in 1970 after decades carrying holiday crowds, and her landmark hull was finally scrapped in 2005.
The Vessel and Her Loss
State of Pennsylvania was built in 1923 by Pusey and Jones of Wilmington as the flagship excursion steamer of the Wilson Line, serving the Delaware River for decades. Retired in 1960, she lay moored at the foot of Madison Street on the Christina River, where in January 1970 she settled into the mud and could not be refloated. She was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979 while a landmark at her berth. Fire and neglect followed, and her hull was scrapped in 2005.
Vessel
- 1923
- Pusey and Jones
- Wilmington, Delaware
- Steel
- 219 ft
- 48.9 ft
- Not established
- Triple-expansion steam engine
- Wilson Line
Loss
- January 16, 1970
- Mechanical failure
- Foot of Madison Street, Christina River, Wilmington
- Christina River
- Not established
- Not established
- 0
- 0
- Not established
The Wreck Today
- Partially submerged at the dock
- The hull was scrapped in 2005 as a hazard; no wreck remains.
- Not established
- Not established
- Formerly listed on the National Register of Historic Places (1979)
Position
- 39.73° N 75.56° W
- Surveyed position
- Wilmington, Delaware
Published position at the foot of Madison Street, Christina River, Wilmington.
Evidence
Overall confidence: Well documented (90/100)
The hull was removed and scrapped in 2005; no wreck remains, and this record is presented as a historical listing.
State of Pennsylvania (steamboat), Wikipedia
Specifications, loss and disposal.
National Register of Historic Places nomination
Listing and vessel details.
