A Fiery Disaster on Caddo Lake

The year 1869 marked a period of reconstruction and economic expansion in the United States, following the Civil War. It was during this transformative time that a tragedy unfolded in the thriving town of Jefferson, Texas, as the steamboat Mittie Stephens experienced a catastrophic incident on Caddo Lake. Renowned for its service as a troop transport for Union forces and a key player in the Red River trade, the vessel met its demise in what would be recorded as Louisiana’s most devastating peacetime river disaster. This article explores the sequence of events that led to the calamity, the intense moments when the boat was engulfed in flames, and the sorrowful aftermath that enveloped Jefferson’s community.

The Birth of the Mittie Stephens

Constructed in 1863 in Madison, Indiana, the Mittie Stephens was a formidable sidewheel steamboat, featuring three boilers and tipping the scales at 312 tons. With dimensions of 168.8 feet in length and 29.8 feet in beam, and a shallow draft of 4.7 feet, she was perfectly suited for river navigation. Commissioned by Joseph Stephens and named in honor of his daughter, this steamboat played a pivotal role in the Union Army’s Red River campaign, ferrying troops and supplies. Post-war, she transitioned to civilian life, plying the Mississippi-Red River trade routes under private ownership.

The Ill-Fated Journey

On a brisk February day in 1869, the Mittie Stephens set off from New Orleans to Jefferson on what would become her final voyage. Initially scheduled to leave on February 4, the departure was postponed by a day. The steamboat’s itinerary included stops at key locations such as Shreveport and Grand Ecore, and she was laden with over 100 passengers, 274 bales of hay, and a substantial Union payroll of $100,000 in gold destined for Federal troops involved in Reconstruction efforts in Jefferson.

The Tragedy Unfolds

As darkness descended, the Mittie Stephens navigated the misty waters of Caddo Lake, an area rich with Native American lore and a crucial link in the steamboat era’s Mississippi-Red River commerce. That night, however, would be marred by fire and misfortune. Close to midnight, a vigilant crew member detected the smell of smoke and saw it billowing from the deck. The hay bales, stacked nearby, had caught fire from sparks emitted by the iron torch baskets, transforming the steamboat into a fiery hellscape.

The Desperate Struggle for Survival

The alarm of ‘fire’ reverberated across the ill-starred steamboat, plunging passengers into turmoil. Roused from sleep, they were confronted with a harrowing decision: remain aboard amidst the engulfing flames or plunge into the frigid, dark embrace of Caddo Lake. In a desperate bid for survival, the crew attempted to beach the vessel, but the Mittie Stephens ran aground, tragically short of safety, marking one of the most poignant boating tragedies of the time.

Amidst the ensuing bedlam, some passengers leapt overboard, seeking refuge in the water, only to be met with the deadly churn of the steamboat’s paddlewheels. The Home Advocate of Jefferson painted a grim picture describing, “Men are fighting fiercely, trying to hold on but are ultimately succumbing to their death.” The scene was a heart-wrenching tableau of terror, with crew members and passengers alike scrambling to escape the inferno that had once been their trusted conveyance.

The Grim Toll

The toll of lives lost in the Mittie Stephens disaster is shrouded in uncertainty, with estimates ranging from 56 to 70 victims. The most frequently cited number is approximately 62, including women, children, and esteemed figures such as Captain George R. Reemer, the steamboat’s first clerk. This historical tragedy left an indelible mark on the community straddling the Texas-Louisiana border, with the press of the era filled with poignant eulogies and expressions of collective grief.

The Aftermath and Legacy

The Mittie Stephens disaster left an indelible mark on the town of Jefferson and the surrounding areas, with Caddo Lake bearing witness to the immense loss of life and the deep emotional scars that followed. The steamboat’s wreckage, once a haunting presence beneath the waters of Caddo Lake, eventually vanished from sight. In recent years, there have been initiatives, often spearheaded by non-profit organizations, to locate and potentially raise the remains of the Mittie Stephens, transforming it into a historical monument. However, this endeavor requires significant funding, and for now, the project remains an aspiration.

The tale of the Mittie Stephens has woven itself into the fabric of local folklore, igniting the imagination with poetry, myths, and treasure hunts that echo the rich maritime history of Texas. This tragedy, deeply etched into Caddo Lake’s lore, serves as a stark reminder of the perils faced by those navigating the rivers and lakes of the era. Moreover, it underscores the resilience and fortitude of the community, which managed to rebuild and prosper in the aftermath of such a catastrophic event, contributing to the tapestry of Texas history.

Conclusion

The catastrophic burning of the Mittie Stephens on that fateful night in 1869 irrevocably altered the destinies of those aboard and the entire community of Jefferson, Texas. The steamboat, once a beacon of progress and a pivotal part of vessel traffic, became an emblem of the unpredictability and dangers inherent to life on the waterways. The historical accounts of this calamity continue to resonate, teaching us about the transient nature of human life and the enduring spirit of resilience in the wake of misfortune.

As we delve into the history that unfolded on Caddo Lake over a century ago, we honor the memories of those who perished, the narratives that remain untold, and the invaluable lessons gleaned from the fiery demise of the Mittie Stephens. It is a chapter that the Texas State Historical Association and various historical associations strive to preserve, potentially inspiring the creation of a dedicated historical museum to ensure that this pivotal event remains a part of our collective consciousness.