Cleopatra's Barge

This unusual ship was built in 1816 by George Crowningshield and captained by Benjamin W. Crowninshield. This elegant ship was built for a voyage of pleasure and cost $50,000 to build. The furniture was later appraised at $7,000. She was eighty-three feet long and twenty two feet wide. Many thousands visited her before she made her maiden voyage in March of 1817.The yacht was later dismantled and fitted up as a merchant vessel. Sold later 1819 to King Kamehameha I of Hawaii she was shortly after run on a reef and wrecked.

See Also

• The Story of George Crowninshields' Yacht, Cleopatra's Bargeby F. B. Crowninshield.

• Essex Institute historical collections Vol. 25, pp.81-117.

• Ships and Sailors of Old Salem by Ralph D. Paine.