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September 11, 1857, The SS Central America is sinking off the coast of South Carolina, another ship called SS Marine comes close enough that Captain Herndon orders women and children off on row boats, 130 women and children and 28 of the men made it off the SS Central America to the SS Marine before the ships were too far apart, September !2th the SS Central America sinks with 425 men aboard and when the gold doesn't make it to New York all the banks closed, they called it the Bank Panic of 1857, this book was a naional best seller ans I hope we see this treasure and story on the silver screen!!!!!! A must read!!!!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
In September 1857, the SS Central America, a side-wheel steamer carring nearly six hundred passengers returning from the California Gold Rush, foundered in a hurricane and sank two hundred miles off the Carolina coast. Over four hundred lives and twenty-one tons of california gold were lost. In the 1980s, a young engineer from Ohio set out to do what no one, not even the United States Navy, had been able to do; establish a working presence on the deep-ocean floor and open it to science, archaeology, history, medicine, and recovery. After years of intensive efforts, Tommy Thompson and the Columbus-America Discovery Group found the Central America in eight thousand feet of water, and in October 1989 they sailed into Norfolk with her recovered treasure; gold coins, bars, nuggets, and dust. Life magazine called it "the greatest treasure ever found." Now Gary Kinder tells for the first time this extraordinary tale. In a gripping narrative, the author re-creates the five days at sea in a rising hurricane and recounts the heroism of men like Captain William Herndon, the heartbreak of loss and separation for newlyweds like Addie and Ansel Easton, the daring rescue of women and children by a passing brig, and the eventual sinking of the Central America. I like this book because it is a true story.Read full review
If you know a tinkerer, an engineer, or anyone who loves problem solving the impossible, buy this book. If you know anyone struggling with the challenges and obstacles placed between their daily reality and their dreams, but this book. Not only is the book filled with colorful, living history that breathes life to the Gold Rush, it details the compulsively analytical mind, genius inventions, and tireless efforts of Tommy Thompson, the low-key hero of the expedition. His attempts to find and recover history intact from unworkable depths in the harshest conditions are fascinating. Tommy went where few had gone before and did so with relative pennies instead of unlimited deep pockets. A thoroughly enjoyable non-fiction read that reaches far beyond the well-written story.
Had no idea what this book was when I purchased it. Not what I regularly read but and interesting book. +++++++++++
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Nautical historic intrigue. Especially from the American West coast ships and gold connection.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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