Bearing Block from Steam Boat Phoenix

3D Model

This one of the bearing blocks from the wreck of the steamboat Phoenix. We believe it supported the outboard end of the drive shaft and allowed the paddle wheel to turn freely. It was recovered from the lake by a team led by Lake Champlain Maritime Museum in July 2021 for further research.

Phoenix was the second commercial steamboat on Lake Champlain. It was built by Captain Jahaziel Sherman (1770-1844) for the Lake Champlain Steamboat Company and launched in 1815. Tragically, on the night on September 4, 1819 while en route from Burlington to Plattsburgh with 46 passengers and under the direction of Jahaziel’s son, Richard Sherman, a fire broke out. Most on board were able to escape but unfortunately a dozen individuals including the captain were left behind. Several were rescued, including Richard Sherman, but six people ultimately perished.

The hull wreck was rediscovered in 1978 and the two paddlewheels were discovered in August 2020. Learn more: https://www.lcmm.org/steamboat-phoenix/