The USS Princeton was a steam warship of notable design, regarded for its innovative armament. On a pleasant winter's day, President John Tyler hosted a cruise down the Potomac River, intending to mingle with notable politicians and guests aboard the vessel. Among those present was Secretary of State Abel Upshur, who had played a significant role in shaping the Tyler administration's foreign policy. The ship was equipped with state-of-the-art cannons, and during the pleasure cruise, one of these cannons unexpectedly exploded, causing chaos and horror among the attendees.

The explosion resulted in the deaths of six individuals, including Upshur and several members of his staff. It is noted that many of the injured and deceased were located in the area near the blast, which wreaked havoc in its immediate vicinity. The event plunged the cruise into panic as the survivors struggled to comprehend the disaster unfolding on the once-celebrated vessel. President Tyler, despite the devastation, emerged unscathed, but the incident marred his presidency and revealed vulnerabilities in U.S. naval advancements.

Amidst the shock and aftermath, investigations were conducted to determine the cause of the explosion, ultimately concluding that a manufacturing defect in the cannon's construction led to the catastrophic failure. The ramifications of this event resonated through Washington society and military practices, sparking debates regarding safety standards on naval vessels, particularly those employing new technology such as steam power.