JAMES B. SCHUYLER, New York, NY – 1890 The "JAMES B. SCHUYLER" from New York City circa 1890. Built in 1865 at Jersey City, NJ, this 'triple-decker' steamboat initially served as an excursion boat; she began party boat fishing in 1881. Captain Joseph Hancox owned and operated her and she was one of the premier steamboats to sail daily to the local fishing banks from Manhattan's East River. The "JAMES B. SCHUYLER" was 185 feet in length and carried as many as 700 passengers. Of note are the flags flying from the masts. The topmost flag says "FISHING BANKS DAILY" and the other flags advertise the fares of 65 cents for men and 35 cents for ladies and children. In 1897, the "JAMES B. SCHUYLER" caught fire while moored at the pier and burned to the waterline.