The SS United States will depart from Pier 82 in South Philadelphia, its home of 28 years, to the Florida Panhandle and voluntarily sunk.
Officials in Okaloosa County voted on September 24th to purchase the 1000-foot-long passenger liner for over 10 million dollars. The vessel will be the newest addition to the world’s largest artificial reef off the coast of Destin-Fort Walton Beach.
The SS US Conservancy, the owner of the ship, cites a challenging court order as the reason for selling. The court order mandated the ship vacate Pier 82 by September 12th. The order was suspended in light of this recent deal.
Conservancy president Susan Gibbs said in a press release, “We are confident that the experienced and committed team in Okaloosa County fully appreciates the historic significance of the SS United States and our longstanding commitment to educating and exciting future generations about this unique expression of American maritime history and technological innovation.”
As part of the deal, a land-based museum will also be built in Florida to honor the SS United State’s illustrious history and cultural significance to the nation. She carried presidents, movie stars, celebrities, and the like across the Atlantic Ocean. On her maiden voyage, the SS United States broke the world record for fastest travel across the Atlantic; a record she still holds.
A true relic of post-war America, this ship represents a lot more than meets the eye.
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