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Today in History: Steamer Brother Jonathan sinks, claiming 225 lives

7/30/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On July 30, 1865, the paddle steamer Brother Jonathan sank near Crescent City, California, after hitting an uncharted rock. Of the 244 passengers and crew, only 19 survived, marking it as the deadliest shipwreck on the Pacific Coast at that time. The ship's gold cargo remained unrecovered until 1996.

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Story summary

On July 30, 1865, the paddle steamer Brother Jonathan sank near Crescent City, California, after hitting an uncharted rock. Of the 244 passengers and crew, only 19 survived, marking it as the deadliest shipwreck on the Pacific Coast at that time. The ship's gold cargo remained unrecovered until 1996.