My interest in the story of the USS Princeton began as I was reading the book, Accidental Presidents. This was a significant event in American history that few have heard about, just one of thousands of impactful historical events that have been glossed over and forgotten.
In his book, Explosion on the Potomac, author Kerry Walters reveals how the tragic events on the USS Princeton “set in motion a chain of events that nearly cost the United States the state of Texas, put an end to John Tyler’s chance at a second term in the White House, delayed the modernization of the U.S. Navy by some fifteen years, dangerously ratcheted up the tension between North and South over slavery and contributed to the eventual eruption of two wars” (12).
Walters expertly lays out the events, people, inventions, weaponry, and bad decisions that led to the tragedy aboard the USS Princeton in 1844. A series of cause-and-effect actions that led to the ironically named cannon, Peacemaker, exploding on the deck of the ship, resulting in people being slaughtered and maimed in its destructive wake. It’s a remarkably violent story from history that has all but been forgotten.
Where was President Tyler when all this happened? In what would be an opening scene in a Final Destination movie, he was below deck when the explosion occurred, saved by luck and love. Others in his political and society circles weren’t as lucky, and many of their deaths would have a ripple effect long after the incident had been lost to time.
The book poses an interesting question: How many historical events like this one have been buried, lost, or forgotten? Every aspect of our lives in the U.S. and around the world has been shaped by good and bad policy decisions, local and global tragedies and victories, and the election, re-election, or assassination of political leaders. All of these have positive or negative impacts that often aren’t felt for decades, but whose origins can be traced back to events that most people are ignorant of.
As a history fan, I found Explosion on the Potomac to be a riveting tale that all leaders can learn from. As the old adage goes, “Those who don’t learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” I’d be curious to know if this story was more widely known, whether it would have prevented future tragedies, and if it would have altered the course of history.
It’s a quick read, but one filled with great historical facts and trivia that any history buff is sure to enjoy.
Explosion on the Potomac: The 1844 Calamity Aboard the USS Princeton by Kerry Walters is a book I highly recommend.