Historic SS United States in Peril

A federal judge has ruled that the SS United States, the largest ocean liner ever built in the United States, must vacate its dock at a Philadelphia pier by September 12. Constructed between 1950 and 1951 during the early Cold War era, the vessel represents a significant chapter in American maritime history and technological advancement. However, it has fallen into disrepair, languishing at the pier and largely forgotten by the public. The SS United States was once a symbol of American manufacturing prowess, a time when products were designed for durability. Despite various proposals over the years to restore the ship and repurpose it as a hotel, casino, or entertainment venue, none have come to fruition. The ship is currently docked at a pier owned by Penn Warehousing, which has not seen successful plans for revitalization. In contrast, other historical ships in the vicinity have been transformed into popular tourist attractions. Just a short distance from the SS United States, three other vessels have been successfully converted into museums and entertainment venues, showcasing the potential for such projects in Philadelphia. Among these is the Moshulu, a four-masted steel barque with a storied history, including its appearance in *The Godfather Part II*. The ruling raises questions about the future of the SS United States, as the city’s culture and tourism industry continues to express interest in preserving and celebrating its maritime heritage.