Steamboat Accident – Today in History: March 29
The City of Hartford steamboat after collision with railroad bridge

The City of Hartford steamboat after collision with railroad bridge, Middletown - Mystic Seaport


On March 29, 1876, the steamboat City of Hartford, of the New York and Hartford steamboat line, hit the Air Line Railroad Bridge on the Connecticut River at Middletown carrying away one of the 200-foot spans. The fifty passengers onboard escaped without injury but a pilot and oiler were severely injured. The damage to the bridge was estimated at $35,000 and trains would be halted until a temporary span could be constructed.

Learn More

Books

Connecticut State Historic Preservation Office, and Julie Horn. Viaducts, Bridges, and Ghost Trains: Air Line Railroad Archaeological District, Colchester and East Hamption, Connecticut. Westport, CT: Historical Perspectives, 2004.

Sign Up For Email Updates

Oops! We could not locate your form.