Badger State (Propeller), U2111, 19 Apr 1862

A new propeller called the BADGER STATE, was launched in Buffalo on Thursday afternoon of this week. She was built for the Buffalo and Chicago route, and is spoken of as a fine looking vessel.
      Detroit Free Press
      Saturday, April 19, 1862

      . . . . .
     
LAUNCH OF THE BADGER STATE. -- The announcement in the various city papers yesterday, that the propeller BADGER STATE would be launched during the afternoon, attracted an immense concourse of people to the vicinity of Mason & Bidwell's ship yard. The tugs on the creek, with their load of spectators, took position with the precision of a fleet of gunboats about to storm a rebel fort, while the little craft lay around loose in every direction. Shortly after four o'clock the workmen commenced arranging the preliminaries for the release of the vessel from her fastenings. Still later we observed a trio of editors clinging persistently to some temporary supports on the larboard side, one of them having deposited his green cotton umbrella in the best state room he could select. A few minutes after five, the sharp clicking of axes was heard as they cut away the last blocks which bound the splendid craft to terra firma; a moment's hesitancy, and she glided down her slippery pathway in gallant style. A magnificent wave rose to welcome her, and dashed away with the most sublime coyness, as if its entire friendship could not be won upon so slight an acquaintance. The shipping in the vicinity rocked obeisance to the vessel as she dropped into her element, the steam whistles piped their shrill compliments, the crowd cheered lustily, while our editorial friends looked dumbfounded at the sublimity of the whole affair. The owner of the green cotton umbrella possessed himself in haste of his favorite companion, while the other two members of the craft walked anxiously up to the "carpenter's shop," where the compliments of the season are exchanged on all occasions like the one referred to.
The BADGER STATE is a magnificent boat and will do credit to the line in which she is to run.
      Buffalo Daily Courier
      Thursday, April 17, 1862
     


Steam screw BADGER STATE. U. S. No. 2111. Of 1,115.52 tons gross; 917.03 tons net. Built Buffalo, N.Y., 1862. Home port, Buffalo, N.Y.
      Merchant Vessel List, U. S., 1884