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Burning of the Clipper Ship "Golden Light"
Major collection: Hart Nautical
Named collection: Arthur H. Clark Collection
Object type: lithograph
Maker: Currier, Nathaniel
Place made: United States, New York, New York
Date made: 1848
Materials: ink; paper
Measurements: 11 1/2 in x 15 1/4 in
Nomenclature: fires; American; clipper ships
Classification: maritime events
CC-E-0018
Named collection: Arthur H. Clark Collection
Object type: lithograph
Maker: Currier, Nathaniel
Place made: United States, New York, New York
Date made: 1848
Materials: ink; paper
Measurements: 11 1/2 in x 15 1/4 in
Nomenclature: fires; American; clipper ships
Classification: maritime events
Three-masted ship engulfed in flames. Small boats with the escaped crew members and kegs float in the water. The "Golden Light was struck by lightning on her way from Boston to San Francisco. Crew members on boats survived five days in the open water before being rescused by the ship "Shand." The New York Times article published March 21, 1853 noted that 15 known lives were lost in this event.
CC-E-0018