SS Oregon (1878)

The SS Oregon (1878-1906) was a coastal passenger/cargo ship constructed in Chester, Pennsylvania by the Delaware River Iron Ship Building and Engine Works in February 1878. Originally delivered to the Oregon Steamship Company, she was used on the Portland, Oregon to San Francisco, California route for many years. In 1879, the Oregon Railroad and Navigation Company became the Oregon's new owners after purchasing the Oregon Steamship Company. Also included in this purchase were the steamships George W. Elder and City of Chester. While in O.R. & N service, Oregon served alongside the Columbia, which was the first commercial use of Thomas Edison's incandescent light bulb. Like the Oregon the Columbia was also built by John Roach & Sons in Chester, Pennsylvania. Over time, Oregon's hull became breached after a number of incidents. Furthermore, the hull had been weighted with concrete to the point where she was considered un-useable for service as a passenger liner. After operating as a freighter, she was laid in 1894 at Portland. In 1899, the Oregon was re-qualified to carry passengers once more. She was sold by O.R. & N the same year. Despite this, she was viewed as a cursed ship by her crew. The Oregon was owned by the White Star Steamship Company from around 1902 to 1905 (not to be confused with the White Star Line). Around this time, the Oregon was being operated between Alaska and Puget Sound.

On September 13, 1906, the Oregon ran aground on the rocky shoreline of Cape Hinchinbrook, Alaska. At the time, there was no active lighthouse at Cape Hinchinbrook (although one was under construction). It is unknown whether poor navigation or reduced visibility caused the wreck. Shortly after the collision, the bottom of the vessel was torn open and water began flooding the ship. The Oregon became stuck on the rocks without any barrier from the open sea. After crewmembers began boarding the lifeboats, Captain Horace E. Soule threatened to shoot any man attempting to steal one. This led to the crew obeying any further orders and a small party were sent off in a lifeboat to report the disaster in Valdez. When the report of Oregon's wreck reached Valdez, many ships set out to rescue the passengers and crew. Remarkably, all 110 remaining people on board the Oregon were rescued by the revenue cutter Columbine. The Oregon however, was reported as a total loss.