VIDEO: The local ‘Ghost Ship’ with ties to Thomas Edison and Madonna

Located just off of the Ohio River across from Lawrenceburg

(LAWRENCEBURG, Ind.) – Did you know there is a ‘Ghost Ship’ older than the Titanic that is permanently located just off of the Ohio River near Lawrenceburg? 

The ship has ties to two world wars, famous inventor Thomas Edison and even pop icon Madonna. 

Our friend Rob Stone Photography, of Northern Kentucky, recently stopped by and shot some drone video while remaining off of the private property that surrounds it. 

History of the boat:

It was originally called ‘The Celt’ when it was built in 1902 to serve as a yacht for railroad tycoon John Rogers Maxwell. 

In 1917, the ship would serve a much different purpose under the name ‘USS Sachem.’

It was commissioned by the U.S. Navy and used as a floating laboratory for famed inventor Thomas Edison. 

Edison reportedly spent 18 months aboard the ship where he conducted numerous experiments in an effort to develop effective countermeasures to submarines and underwater explosions. 

Following World War I, the ship was given back to its owner and primarily used as a yacht or fishing boat until 1941. 

The Navy reacquired it following Pearl Harbor and once again outfitted it for wartime efforts. It was renamed the ‘Phenakite’ during WWII and was used as a patrol boat along the East Coast and to also search for German submarines. 

It is not believed that it saw any combat in either war, but was awarded both times for its contributions to the effort. 

Following the war, it served as a tour boat for sightseers in New York City for many years. 

It was in rough shape and considered obsolete when it was purchased by Cincinnati business owner Robert “Butch” Miller in 1984. 

He began the restoration process and it was repainted and repaired in NYC. 

In 1986, the ship received a visit from a superstar. 

A representative of Madonna asked if the Sachem could be part of the music video for her hit song “Papa Don’t Preach.” 

Miller agreed and you can see the old ship in the music video. 

Following the cameo, the ship was vandalized twice and Miller decided to move it out of New York and closer to home. 

It was docked in a small waterway called Taylor Creek in Petersburg, Kentucky, which is just across the Ohio River from Lawrenceburg and Aurora. 

Due to the water level in the Ohio River dropping, the ship was run aground and remains tucked away in Taylor Creek today. 

The Sachem is known as the “Ghost Ship” and it’s a popular destination for kayakers who want to see it. 

There is a nonprofit called The Sachem Project that is working to raise awareness and preserve the decaying ship. You can learn more about the history and also have to get involved by clicking here.

How can I visit the Sachem?

The ship is actually on private property and trespassers have been a major headache for the landowners. 

While it is against the law to board the ship or access it by land, the only legal way to see it is by kayak. 

Stone captured the above drone imagery from a neighboring property that he was given access to be on.