Skip to main content

Steamer Washington Irving

Image for item

TheWashington Irving, the largest of the Day Line steamers, was designed by Frank Kirby, designer of many well-known steamers, and J.W. Millard, and was built at Camden, N. J. in 1912. She was 400’ long, and was meant to be the running mate for theHendrick Hudson. Her passenger capacity was 6000 people. Her launching included a delegation of red-headed girls from the Washington Irving High School for Girls in New York City. They traveled on a special train for the launching party called the “Redheaded Special.” All the girls had their fingers crossed for luck and threw laurel wreaths at the boat as she was launched. TheWashington Irvingbegan service in 1913. -- Donald C. Ringwald Collection, Hudson River Maritime Museum

Image for item

The Washington Irving High School’s students went for a special excursion shortly after theIrvingwas launched on May 16th, 1913. -- Donald C. Ringwald Collection, Hudson River Maritime Museum

Image for item

A view of the Alhambra writing room on the Washington Irving. This beautiful room was designed in honor of Washington Irving’s interest in and writings about Spain. -- Donald C. Ringwald Collection, Hudson River Maritime Museum

Image for item

A beautifully composed photo of theIrvingin the Hudson Highlands approaching Bear Mountain, ca. 1924. -- Donald C. Ringwald Collection, Hudson River Maritime Museum

Image for item

TheWashington Irvingat Kingston Point Park landing, probably early in her career with a large crowd aboard. -- Donald C. Ringwald Collection, Hudson River Maritime Museum

Image for item

In 1926, thirteen years after her launch in 1913, theWashington Irvingmet her end while leaving her pier at Desbrosses St., in New York, when she was rammed by a barge which tore a large gash in her side. But for a strong ebb tide, she would have been able to avoid the collision. All the passengers except three got off the vessel before she sank. She was raised, but never sailed again. -- Donald C. Ringwald Collection, Hudson River Maritime Museum

Steamer Washington Irving