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Steamboat Jenny Lind

Coordinates: 37°32′N 122°11′W / 37.54°N 122.18°W / 37.54; -122.18
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Memorial to Jenny Lind disaster at Alviso Marina County Park

The steamboat Jenny Lind was a ferry that exploded in San Francisco Bay on April 11, 1853 while on course to San Francisco from Alviso, California, killing many residents of Alviso and San Jose. The boiler exploded as the steamboat passed the Redwood City inlet (about 37°32′N 122°11′W / 37.54°N 122.18°W / 37.54; -122.18), minutes after dinner was called for the passengers.[1] The worst of the casualties were among the women and children who were seated first at dinner. At least 31 people were killed.[2]

History

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Built in San Francisco in 1850,[3] the Jenny Lind was named for Swedish opera singer Jenny Lind, made famous in the United States by PT Barnum. The destruction of the Jenny Lind was a major reason for building the San Francisco and San Jose Railroad.[4]

Victims of the Jenny Lind Explosion

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References

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