Laurel, 1876
A Mediterranean evergreen tree (Laurus nobilis) having aromatic, simple leaves and small blackish berries. Also called bay, bay laurel; Also called sweet bay. A shrub or tree, such as the mountain laurel, having a similar aroma or leaf shape. Also a wreath of laurel conferred as a mark of honor in ancient times upon poets, heroes, and victors in athletic contests.
Builder: Columbian Iron Works, Baltimore, Maryland
Length: 134'
Beam: 25'
Draft: 10'
Displacement: 320 tons
Cost: $40,000
Commissioned: 1876
Decommissioned: ?
Disposition: Sold on 19 June 1909
Machinery: Vertical direct-acting steam engine; 250 IHP/180 BHP; surface condensing, coal-fired boilers; twin propellers
Performance & Endurance:
Max:
Cruising:
Deck Gear:
Complement:
Armament: None
Tender History:
The first United States Lighthouse Tender Laurel was built by the Columbian Iron Works in Baltimore, Maryland and was commissioned in 1876. She was an oak-hulled steam driven tender. She was used as an inspection tender in the 8th Lighthouse District and was based out of New Orleans. She was overhauled in New York City in August of 1883. She was transferred to the 7th Lighthouse District and was based out of Key West, Florida in 1890. She was sold to an unknown bidder for $1,050 in 1909.
Sources:
Douglas Peterson. United States Lighthouse Service Tenders, 1840-1939. Annapolis: Eastwind Publishing, 2000.