Maritime Museum of San Diego

The Star of India sits in the water with three tall masts and an iron hull that dates back to eighteen sixty-three. Originally named the Euterpe, the ship spent its early life hauling immigrants to New Zealand and laborers to India. By the late nineteenth century, it began a long career in the salmon trade, sailing from Alaska to California. Captains who commanded it described the vessel as a rough ride, prone to rolling heavily even in moderate seas.