Titusville in Brevard County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
The Steamboat Pioneer, 1877
Historic Titusville
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, December 17, 2017
1. The Steamboat Pioneer, 1877 Marker
Not far from this spot lie the burned remains of the steamboat Pioneer, the first commercial passenger steamboat on the Indian River. The Pioneer was the flagship of Captain T.J. Lund’s Pioneer Steamboat Company, formed in the 1870’s to transport passengers along the St. Johns River.To serve Indian River settlers and tourists, Capt. Lund established a hotel near hear and moved the Pioneer to Titusville about 1875 while continuing to operate other vessels on the St. Johns.
Fire broke out on the ship one night in April 1887 as she lay at anchor here. Despite the best efforts of Capt. Lund and those who tried to assist him, the blaze consumed the vessel to its waterline. It was later towed into Otter Creek. What remains of the vessel lies today a short distance inland, buried beneath fill.
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“The Pioneer was one mass of fire… Captain Lund’s form stood out boldly, as standing on the very edge of the firey creature he poured water into her hold. By daylight, all was ended… a bent smokestack and part of a hull, resting on the bottom of the river.”
• Mrs.
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, December 17, 2017
2. The Steamboat Pioneer, 1877 Marker
this page online
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Wreck of Steamboat Pioneer in Otter Creek, reproduced from original map
Erected by City of Titusville.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1877.
Location. 28° 36.875′ N, 80° 48.335′ W. Marker is in Titusville, Florida, in Brevard County. Marker is at the intersection of Indian River Avenue and Orange Street, on the right when traveling north on Indian River Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Titusville FL 32796, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. "TFNG" (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Discovery (about 400 feet away); Challenger (about 400 feet away); Atlantis (about 500 feet away); Enterprise (about 500 feet away); Endeavour (about 500 feet away); Columbia (about 500 feet away); Project Mercury Memorial (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Titusville.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 16, 2018. It was originally submitted on January 14, 2018, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 254 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 14, 2018, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
