SS Ellengowan

SS Ellengowan‏‎ was a British cargo vessel built in 1866 by Alexander Stephen and Sons, a shipbuilding company based in Govan, near Glasgow, Scotland. The ship was constructed for the Adamson Bell company, a prominent shipping firm during the 19th century.

Design and Construction

The SS Ellengowan‏‎ was a iron-hulled ship, a common construction material for ships during the period. The ship was 194.2 feet long, with a beam of 30.2 feet and a depth of 18.1 feet. It was powered by a compound steam engine, which was a significant technological advancement in the mid-19th century.

Operational History

The SS Ellengowan‏‎ was primarily used for transporting goods across the Atlantic Ocean. The ship made regular voyages between Britain and North America, carrying a variety of cargo including coal, grain, and manufactured goods.

In 1875, the ship was sold to John Hay & Co., another British shipping company. Under its new ownership, the SS Ellengowan‏‎ continued its transatlantic voyages until it was wrecked off the coast of Nova Scotia in 1881.

Wreck

On November 27, 1881, the SS Ellengowan‏‎ was caught in a severe storm while en route from Glasgow to Baltimore, Maryland. The ship was driven onto the rocks near Cape Sable Island, Nova Scotia, and was subsequently wrecked. All crew members were rescued by local fishermen.

Legacy

The wreck of the SS Ellengowan‏‎ is a significant site for maritime archaeologists and historians. It provides valuable insights into the design and construction of 19th-century cargo ships, as well as the operational practices of the shipping industry during this period.