Facing eviction, the historic vessel known as "America's Flagship" is in need of a new home.
By Susan Gibbs
February 2, 2024
In 1812, the commonwealth of Pennsylvania nearly demolished Independence Hall. Political leaders sought to raze the iconic building and carve up its land for the highest bidders. Over 200 years later, another national icon in Philadelphia – the SS United States – faces a similar existential threat. And as the crowds thronging National Independence Park on a daily basis show, saving our history does not need to conflict with economic revitalization and job creation.
At almost 1,000 feet from stem to stern – surpassing even the RMS Titanic – the SS United States is the sole surviving American ocean liner. It is also a floating monument of American ingenuity and determination. From its record-breaking maiden voyage across the Atlantic Ocean in 1952 to its potential to be a top-secret troop transport during the Cold War, the vessel known as “America’s Flagship” has carried presidents, world leaders, celebrities, servicemen and women and countless immigrants. It is an inspired symbol of our nation’s strength, resilience and global influence.
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