SS United States

Historical landmark · Riverfront

SS United States

Historical landmark · Riverfront

Pier 82, Philadelphia, PA 19148

Highlights

Now out of service, this 1952 ocean liner was the fastest passenger ship ever built.

Pier 82, Philadelphia, PA 19148 Get directions

ssusc.org

@atlasobscura

"With the highest-ever sustained top speed of 35 knots, the SS United States is the world’s fastest ocean liner. While the United States lost the eastbound transatlantic speed record in 1990 to Hoverspeed Great Britain, it still holds the Blue Riband for the westbound transatlantic speed record. Launched in 1952, this ship’s maiden voyage set the record for the fastest transatlantic trip by an ocean liner. This honor, known as the Blue Riband, was previously held by the Queen Mary. The ship uses an extremely powerful steam turbine engine and it is hailed as a fireproof ship. The only wood on board is the butcher’s block and a specially designed, flame-resistant grand piano. The luxurious vessel was retired from active service in 1969 and has had several owners since that time. The huge propellers were removed and one is at the US Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York, and another at the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum in New York City. A third propeller is at the SUNY Maritime College at Fort Schuyler, New York. Much of the interior dining room furnishings are in the Windmill Point Restaurant in Nags Head, North Carolina. SS United States Conservancy purchased the ship in February 2011 and is working on plans to restore it." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

Off-Centered Ale Trail: Philadelphia

View Postcard for SS United States

D M

Google

Unfortunately when we visited the weather was heavy rain. So we only got some quick pictures. Very cool to see up close in person. I've always been fascinated by the story of this ship. I was glad to see it before anything happens to it. Her future seems unknown at this time. I hope some group acquires it to restore and preserve.

Jay D

Google

I parked across the street on a Monday morning and the traffic wasn’t too bad to cross. Got some pics of the great old ship. Would love to see it up close some day.

Remington Rockwell

Google

It's tragic that they can't restore it. This ship is still the record holder of the fastest Atlantic crossing, and it's not only been left to rot for decades, but now it's been kicked to the curb with nowhere to go. I just hope they turn it into an artificial reef instead of scrapping it, seeing as to how restoration is out of the question now.

Davis D. Janowski

Google

I hope she can be saved. And it would be amazing to see her run again under her own power---she set speed records and the fact that her top speed remains classified adds to her mystique. If nothing else she is a monument, a museum showcasing maritime mechanical engineering just as transatlantic ship travel waned. I met a gentleman that served on her while in the Merchant Marine. His bunk was just above one of her propellers and when she was at speed he said it was deafening. Having asked him about her speed he recounted how, during one crossing, that the crew and passengers were warned of a hurricane in the ship's path and that was the single time he served on her where he recalled her going near full speed. He said it was an awesome feeling having something that big moving that fast and being on it and feeling it. I saw her from a distance while down from New York visiting other Philly sites, including USS Olympia, another marvel that I hope remains safe and in good shape for future generations. I'm reminded of SS United States often because I frequently walk past one of her screws, which is stored in the parking lot of the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in NYC, just three blocks from the very piers that her shipping line called home.

Darrell Frazier

Google

In the 50’s and 60’s I traversed the Atlantic aboard the SS United States with my family several times. I remember it as an experience to be cherished all my life. She was such a beautiful and comfortable ship. Over the years I have followed her whereabouts. Happy that she found a home in Philadelphia, but sad that she still awaits restoration. My thanks to the Conservatory group for keeping her alive until investors can turn her into the destination she deserves. That would be a dream come true. I would love somehow being a part of her repurposing. The SS United States is not just another ship, she is truly a legend that should be preserved. Darrell Frazier Frisco, Texas

Aamir Hayat

Google

One of the great ship of her time. Looks like TITANIC

Robert Girone

Google

Took my breathe away. I was 8 months old in 1960. Took the voyage back with my mom to NYC. I was more excited to see her then many Christmas mornings. This is a piece of living history & sits very solemnly in a shipyard in Philadelphia. It should be saved & refurbished for all to see, & treated as it should, like a living president of our great country for which it is named after. Please save & preserve the Ship.

Anwar M H

Google

Inspired by the service of the British liners Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth, which transported hundreds of thousands of US troops to Europe during World War II, the US government sponsored the construction of a large and fast merchant vessel that would be capable of transporting large numbers of soldiers. Designed by American naval architect and marine engineer William Francis Gibbs (1886–1967), the liner's construction was a joint effort by the United States Navy and United States Lines. The US government underwrote $50 million of the $78 million construction cost, with the ship's prospective operators, United States Lines, contributing the remaining $28 million. In exchange, the ship was designed to be easily converted in times of war to a troopship. The ship has a capacity of 15,000 troops, and could also be converted to a hospital ship.

@atlasobscura

Off-Centered Ale Trail: Philadelphia

View Postcard for SS United States

D M

Google

Jay D

Google

I parked across the street on a Monday morning and the traffic wasn’t too bad to cross. Got some pics of the great old ship. Would love to see it up close some day.

Remington Rockwell

Google

Davis D. Janowski

Google

Darrell Frazier

Google

Aamir Hayat

Google

One of the great ship of her time. Looks like TITANIC

Robert Girone

Google

Anwar M H

Google

SS United States

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