Brown's Ferry Vessel

National Register Listing

Street Address:

1003 Front Street, Georgetown, SC (Georgetown County)

Alternate Name:

Black River Boat

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NRHP Nomination

Record Number:

S10817722015

Description and Narrative:

(Black River Boat) The Brown’s Ferry Vessel sank at Brown’s Ferry in the Black River between 1730 and 1740, as indicated by artifacts found on the wreck. The vessel itself is probably older judging from several patches found along some seams, especially near the butts. The boat is a merchant vessel, approximately 50 feet in length, which was in no way associated with the operations of ferrying. It is constructed of pine, oak, and cypress. The vessel was excavated in the summer of 1976 and removed from the Black River to Columbia for further study. Since the boat was built for commercial use, it helps define everyday technology of the period. Additionally, this was a local ship type, representing a period and area in which far too little maritime information has been forthcoming. A maritime expert at the time considered its value to be the most important single nautical discovery in the United States to date. Its discovery establishes primary evidence for American shipbuilding nearly fifty years earlier than previous discoveries. Listed in the National Register May 18, 1979.

Period of Significance:

1735

Level of Significance:

National

Area of Significance:

Archeology;Commerce;Transportation

National Register Determination:

listed

Date of Certification:

May 18 1979

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