SJ23 Totality of the Circumstances
The Burning of the Royal Tar, 1836
A Historical Investigation into the Tragedy
On October 25, 1836, the side-wheel steamer Royal Tar was destroyed by fire in Penobscot Bay, Maine.
SJ23 Totality of the Circumstances is the culmination of an 18-year investigation into the vessel, her construction and machinery, her final voyage and loss, and the passengers and crew whose individual stories became obscured through nearly two centuries of retelling.
Drawing extensively from contemporary newspapers, maritime registries, correspondence, depositions, passenger and crew records, shipping records, and other primary sources, the investigation presents a substantially fuller picture of the Royal Tar and the events surrounding her loss.
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