SS United States: A Temporary Reprieve From The Scrap Yard

For seventeen years, the SS United States carried passenger across the Atlantic Ocean as the Queen of the American Merchant Marine. This magnificent liner still holds the westbound Atlantic crossing record set - at an average speed of almost 40 mph - on her maiden voyage in 1952. Now merely an empty shell, she has been weathering away since the late '70s, and at her last destination, Philadelphia, since 1996. With her interior furnishings gone, some may say that she is a vessel we can afford to lose. But instead of decoration, the SS United States was noted for her innovation, performance, and adaptability as a military as well as civilian vessel. She is, therefore, a most suitable example of American industrial and engineering history.

Her reprieve by a group of preservationists came at the very last hour. It represents a very small step in a restoration that will take many years and millions of dollars. Plans at this time are to preserve the liner as a hotel in either New York or Philadelphia. As a preservationist, OTR is heartened to learn that this beautiful piece of maritime history may some day grace a proud harbor and share her history with future generations.

The link above provides readers with additional information and suggests several links for more in depth exploration of the Queen of the American Merchant Marine. One of those links, Richard April's American Flagship SS United States, should not be missed.