Near Sumatra in Franklin County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

Steamship Tragedy

September 20, 2009

1. Steamship Tragedy Marker

Inscription. In 1838 the steamship Irvington, carr[y]ing 200 bales of cotton on a downstream run, burned and sank four miles upstream from here. This 115 foot side-wheeler was constructed in 1836 in Marion, Indiana. These boilers and parts were dredged from the river about where the Irvington went down and probably represent her remains. The ship's short life on the river came during the early part of the Apalachicola steamship period. Later over 200 ships worked the river as far north as Columbus, Georgia.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1838.

Location. 29° 56.297′ N, 85° 0.588′ W. Marker is near Sumatra, Florida, in Franklin County. Marker can be reached from Forest Road 127, 0.8 miles south of Fort Gadsden Road, on the left when traveling south. On Route 65, a sign marks the turn for Fort Gadsden/Prospect Bluff Historic Sites. Go west on Forest Road 129. In about 4 miles, turn left onto Forest Road 129-D. The kiosk and parking lot are visible from that point. Roads are unpaved and may have potholes.

There is a walk from the parking lot, kiosk, and toilets to the site.

The site was named Fort Gadsden Historic Site until 2016, when its name was

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

changed to Prospect Bluff Historic Sites. Some signs still carry the old name. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Sumatra FL 32335, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within 17 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. British Fort Magazine (here, next to this marker); "Milly Francis" (here, next to this marker); Fort Gadsden (here, next to this marker); Wewahitchka Centennial (approx. 16.7 miles away); Gulf County Old Courthouse (approx. 16.7 miles away).

Also see . . . Prospect Bluff Historic Sites. Wikipedia (Submitted on February 26, 2018.)

Credits. This page was last revised on March 9, 2018. It was originally submitted on February 24, 2018, by Daniel Eisenberg of Boca Raton, Florida. This page has been viewed 293 times since then and 9 times this year. Last updated on March 4, 2018, by Daniel Eisenberg of Boca Raton, Florida. Photo 1. submitted on February 24, 2018, by Daniel Eisenberg of Boca Raton, Florida. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.