Hidden History

SS THOMAS JEFFERSON FLAGSHIP DRIVESHAFT

Peach Street near West 6th St

In 1834, the propeller shaft from the S.S. Thomas Jefferson was installed to protect Sarah Reed’s tree from passing buggies. The S.S. Thomas Jefferson was a 19th-century flagship of the Reed Steamer Liners. It’s captain, Thomas Wilkins, lived between the Reed Residence and the courthouse. The drive shaft appears in depictions of the period, including the below postcard.

Close-up of a rusted metal plaque on a pole, reading "A drive shaft from S.S. Thomas Jefferson flagship of Reed Steamship Lines circa 1834." Background shows a parking lot with trees, cars, and a white trailer.

Rusty vertical post on sidewalk with brick buildings and church steeple in background.

A vintage painting of Sixth Street looking west from Peach Street in Erie, Pennsylvania, showing tall trees lining the street, historic buildings on both sides, and a clear sky.