Maid of the Mist (Steamboat), sunk, 1 Jan 1851

MAID OF THE MIST
      The loss of this steamer is thus described by the Rochester American:
"We learn from a gentleman from the Falls, that the little steamer MAID OF THE MIST, disappeared from public observation yesterday. She was moored for the winter at the wharf at Bellevue, and was deemed to be beyond the reach of casualty. The snow, however, gathered in such masses on her decks, that she was weighed down deeply at one side. The water made its way over her decks, and filled her hull so completely that she sunk in 20 feet water. She is still held by her cables, but it is very doubtful whether she can be raised--the current being very rapid, and the channel shelving off abruptly to a great depth. She was owned by the Niagara Falls Association, and the loss is from $5,000 to $7,000---no insurance. The little steamer, so aptly named, has played a gallant part, in showing up the Falls to thousands of visitors, during her brief but eventful life. She was the first steam vessel to tempt the storm and wave, in the very "hell of waters" in Niagara River, and many of our readers have trod her quivering deck, as her elfin hull rose and fell in the mad tide.
Many had doubts of her strength and safety and deemed it a hazardous exploit to make one of her brief voyages. But we imagine that her place will be soon supplied with a stauncher craft, and one more confided in by the public."
      Buffalo Daily Courier
      January 7, 1851




Loss of the MAID OF THE MIST. - The little steamer, so aptly named, The MAID OF THE MIST, and which has played a gallant part in showing up the Falls, to thousands of visitors here, has disappeared. She was the first steam vessel to tempt the storm and wave, in the very "hell of waters" in Niagara river, and many of our readers have trod her quivering deck, as her elfin hull rose and fell in the mad tide.
It is supposed that she sunk from the effects of the snow, which had gathered in large masses upon her decks. - She was owned by the Niagara Falls Association.
      Oswego Daily Times
      January 6, 1851


      STEAMER " MAID OF THE MIST " -- The "Iris" states that the owners have suceeded in raising this little craft, and that she has sustained no serious damage. She is to be thoroughly overhauled and repaired, and will receive a new promenade deck, and other essential improvements.
      Daily Queen City, Buffalo
      February 4, 1851