USS Sachem | Kentucky Life | KET.org

The 100-year history of the infamous USS Sachem that now sits in ruins in a creek in Boone County, Kentucky.

[dustingriffith]

Grew up just a short hike through the woods from this. Was always really cool to visit as a kid. Before the internet only the local kids knew about it.

[williamc.]

As a young sailor, I was stationed at NSGA Skaggs Island, CA in 1966. Down the road from the base was a place called Cuttings Wharf off the Napa River. In the mud next to the beer joint we used to visit, were several wooden steamships. We were told they were used as troopships and transported U.S. troops to Europe during WW I. We explored them and were pretty amazed as none of them seem to be much larger than 150' overall. I bet they could tell some neat stories were they able to talk! One of them is still visible on Google Earth just a bit to the side of a building and parking lot.

[guystuard]

used to party and camp out on this boat in 1987 when we were in high school. Still setting in the same spot across from Lawrenceburg Indiana.

[axlyoung]

I work on the Ohio River, linehaul Towboating. I’ve worked on lots beautiful boats. Oldest one from 1957 and in still good shape. Our main port is out of Hebron Ky. I go past Boone county. And even though I’ve heard of this boat. I didn’t know it up a creek off the River. The stories this boat and ones I’ve worked off of. If they could only Talk.
This once beautiful boat. I think she’s far to gone. I don’t see them being able to save her. And it’s sad she ended up there. But she also could’ve ended up scrap many years ago. So Atleast in that little creek. She can still be remembered and tell a Story. Just hope people show respect. And not vandalize the ship any more.

[wallybrown]

I love history like this. It doesn’t seem right for a proud old ship like this one to meet her end this way. But we all have to go sometime.

[deletesoon]

Thats no way to leave her, she wasn't built to be left to rot like that. Great story and footage, never heard of the Great Loop before!

[yeoldesaltydog]

Looks similar to the Maritime Museum of San Diego's 'Medea' She crossed paths with the Infamous HMS Hood too. I've been out on her several times when I was Active Duty in the early 2000's. It was coal powered then went oil burning. These vessels are very beautiful and luxurious. Would LOVE to see someone bring this one back to her former glory.

[wolfenstien]

Congratulations Kentucky, you made it to the front page of Youtube. Be nice if it could be preserved in a museum because that poor boat is not sailing again.

[EricFortuneJr.]

It’s sad to see a well built piece of machinery survive the Atlantic Ocean only to fall victim to a back creek hoarder and vandals. This boat would’ve been worth something had it ended up in the right hands decades ago.

[IansModRite]

I’m glad the YouTube algorithm brought me to this video. Fascinating story.

[kennydemartini]

She's tired. She has done her job and had a glorious life. Let her rest in peace where she sits.

[mikekevelder]

It's held up better than Madonna has

[trailingrails]

She's paper thin (where there aren't already holes). It would have to be completely re-built from the keel up. There would be no point in trying to move what's left.

[derrickbarnes]

Phil Swift and flex seal would save it !!!

[jamesb]

Attempting to restore that would be like trying to restore a car that's just a rust mound with 4 wheels sitting next to it. Sadly it will fall apart if you try to move it.

[willfriar]

I grew up on Long Island Sound and I remember seeing this ship sailing around Manhattan. It's a shame what has become of her. She is just like America they have let her go due to neglect. My America great always Semper Fi

[landenjerauld]

I live on Lawrenceburg ferry road (which leads to the property the sachem sits on) and I’ve been to the sachem in person and it’s a surreal sight to see in person.(also people need to learn how to respect the sachem)

[Kevin_]

Interesting story and history. I'm in Floyd County Indiana and never knew about this vessel. Time for an exploring trip.

[williamraino]

Hate to tell her this but the Erie canal runs East to West through NYS. The Champlain canal Runs North to South from Whitehall to Waterford. The Erie Canal starts in Waterford and runs West to Lake Erie.

[youren]

Dang, that aged fast. From 1901-1980s it was intact, but in 30 years, look at it!