The transport of goods, mail and passengers on Lake Maggiore began on 25 February 1826 with the lake’s first steamboat the IL VERBANO.
When in 1825 the Canton Ticino and the Kingdom of Sardo and Lombard in a agreement with the ship-owner Schiffahrtsgesellschaft “Verbano” agreed in financially backing the building of a new ship the IL VERBANO, for service on the lake, an order was given to build the wooden paddle steamer.
The plan for the ship was given by the American Consul E. Church.
August 1825 work commenced on the shipyard of Burbaglio in Locarno, Switzerland.
15 February 1826 launched as the IL VERBANO.
Dim. 30.7 x 4.68m
Powered by a 14 hp engine, and sails. The engine was originally planned to be used by the EREDIANO but she was unused stored in a warehouse in Venice, she was manufactured by Boulton & Watt, Soho, U.K.
Bought by the owners for 50,000 Lire.
Accommodation for 400 passengers in a first and second class.
Flush decked vessel.
01 May 1826 she made her maiden voyage in the service between Sesto Calende to Magadino under command of the British Captain Copier, and Chief Enginer Pietro Miani from Venice.
1841 Replaced by the SAN CARLO an iron hulled ship, with more power.
Switzerland 1978 0.20fr sgMS952, scott656b
Source: Navicula and some web-sites.