SS United States - Historic Ship Rusting in Philly

The SS United States held a number of records and was of an extremely innovative design. Today she lies rusting alongside a pier in South Philadelphia. You can see her funnels as you drive by on I-95 (or crawling along 95 during rush hour)

The ship was built in 1952 and she was the fastest ocean liner to sail. In case of war, she could be used as a troopship able to transport about 14,000 troops. Her great speed would allow her to run from most submarines (and torpedoes of the era). Her once sensitive screws are now on her after deck and are visible in the satellite photo.


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For more information

• The SS United States site - Some interesting info on this great ocean liner
• The SS United States Conservancy site - People dedicated to trying to save this historic treasure
• Wiki article on the SS United States
• SS United States Foundation Site

Ghost Ships in South Philly

Take a look at the Google Map below. This satellite view is of the Delaware River just south of Tasker Avenue. It appears to be the wrecks of several wooden ships half buried in the mud. The Ship just north of the pilings is perhaps in the best shape of the group. The length appears to be about 200 feet or so. You can see the hatches for the holds and the broad beam indicates some type of cargo ship. If you look a little further upriver there is another wreck which is pretty much deteriorated but has a much narrower beam.

My guess is that there was a fire at one time and all of the vessels sunk in place. They may have been sailing vessels or former sailing vessels that were converted to barges. The lines on the most intact of the cargo vessels look a little too elegant to have been a barge.

The narrow beam vessel is also interesting. My guess is that she was an early screw driven steamer. If you look at the pilings it would appear that she could not have been a side-wheeler.

Anyway, I'd appreciate any guesses as to the history of this little ghost fleet



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