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Steamship GOLDEN AGE, of the New York and Australian Steamship Company's Line
Steamship GOLDEN AGE, of the New York and Australian Steamship Company's Line

Steamship GOLDEN AGE, of the New York and Australian Steamship Company's Line

Datec 1853
Object number00008742
NameEngraving
MediumInk on paper
DimensionsOverall: 177 x 275 mm
ClassificationsArt
Credit LineANMM Collection Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds
DescriptionThis engraving depcts the GOLDEN AGE under the ownership of the New York and Australian Navigation Company. The sidewheeler steamship is shown underway from port side at sea.HistoryBuilt in 1853 for the New York and Australian Navigation Company, the GOLDEN AGE sailed for Sydney on 30 September that year. The vessel operated coastal service in Australia until the 12 May 1854 when she left for Panama, arriving 17 June. There the vessel was purchased two months later by the Pacific Mail Steamship Company. The GOLDEN AGE served the company's San Francisco - Panama run between 1854 to 1869. The vessel was transferred to the Yokohama to Shanghai service, and in 1875 sold to the Japanese Mitsubishi Mail Steamship Company nad renamed renamed Hiroshima Maru. The Pacific Mail Steamship Company was established in 1848 for the purpose of transporting mail between Panama and California. By chance the company's start date coincided with the American gold rush, and they greatly profited from their ideal location near the Californian gold fields. At the height of their success in 1869 Pacific Mail was operating 23 steamships and contracts with the United States Government. However, by the 1870s their profits had decreased due to growing competition between rival shipping companies and the development of rail networks across America. It was during this stage that they began transporting mail and cargo to Australia and New Zealand. In 1893 the Pacific Mail Steamship Company was taken over by the Southern Pacific Railroad Company and then sold on to the Grace Line. They went through a number of owners but continued to operate under the same name until 1949. The Pacific Mail Steamship Company was important for Australia's commercial and economic development. SignificanceThis engraving depicts the New York built steamship GOLDEN AGE which served in Australian waters under the New York and Australian Navigation Company, and possibly later under the ownership of the Pacific Mail Steamship Company.