Top Historic Ships Near Philadelphia

The financial and structural plight of two nautical giants on the Philadelphia waterfront, the U.S.S. Olympia and the S.S. United States have drawn attention to the preservation of historic ships across the country. Our region is rich in seagoing tradition and the surviving ships that projected American commerce and defense around the globe. Most are open to visitors. Here's a sampling of the closest and of most universal interest.

U.S.S. OLYMPIA

Penn's Landing
Philadelphia
http://www.phillyseaport.org/ships_olympia.shtml

The Olympia berthed at Penn's Landing represents a major transformation in naval power from steam and sail to a modern fleet of steel warships. It met its test as Commodore George Dewey's flagship at the battle of Manila Bay and remains the lone surviving vessel to see action in the Spanish American war. This year will determine its fate – to be saved for future generations or sunk as an artificial reef. Visitors can still tour the Olympia, but hours have been limited and it may be a last chance to thread through the crews quarters and operational spaces on a truly historic ship.

For hours and ticket prices, check: http://www.phillyseaport.org/Plan_a_Visit.shtml

Getting there: Take I-95 (from north or south) to Exit #20 (formerly Exit #16) marked variously Historic Area, Penn's Landing, Columbus Boulevard., or Washington Avenue. At the light turn left on to Columbus Boulevard (aka Delaware Avenue). Penn's Landing is about one mile up on the right.

U.S.S. NEW JERSEY

62 Battleship Place
Camden, New Jersey 08103
http://www.battleshipnewjersey.org/

The battleship New Jersey is an imposing presence on the Camden waterfront, directly across the river from Penn's Landing and within sight of where her keel was laid at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. Bristling with powerful 16 inch guns, the New Jersey entered World War Two in time for the major Pacific thrust, taking the fight to enemy home waters. She went on to serve with distinction in Korea and Viet Nam. Now, a major nautical museum, tours cover the combat center, living quarters, even the cavernous turrets that house the huge guns.

For hours and prices, visit: http://www.battleshipnewjersey.org/visit/

Getting there: Because so many bridges and highways converge on the Camden area, the best bet from wherever you begin the drive is to Use MapQuest.com to get driving directions! Enter your destination address as 1 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ 08103 (this is the address for the PSE&G Waterfront Garage).

U.S.S. INTREPID

Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum
Pier 86
46th St & 12th Ave.
New York City, NY 10036
http://www.intrepidmuseum.org/

The guts of an aircraft carrier are awesome. They are giant floating air fields complete with hangars, aircraft elevators, catapults, runways and all the support spaces to mount major combat operations and house the population of a suburban town. The "Fighting I", the U.S.S. Intrepid is a distinguished Word War Two veteran carrier that now serves as the centerpiece of a major sea, air and space museum on the Hudson River in midtown Manhattan. It claims a role in space, following missions that plucked NASA astronauts and their capsules from the ocean. Exhibits surrounding the Intrepid include the submarine "Growler" and one of the few remaining supersonic Concorde aircraft. Visitors can go from carrier flight deck to hangars and even have a snack on the crews mess deck. Then go aboard the Growler to feel the tightly confined, underwater life of a submariner. Close the day by entering the narrow cabin space of a once formidable commercial jet that took travelers between continents at supersonic speed. For hours, tours and prices, look up http://www.intrepidmuseum.org/Plan-Your-Visit.aspx

Getting there: Once in New York, use cabs or Take the A, C, E, N, Q, R, S, W, 1, 2, 3, 7, or 9 subway to 42nd St., then walk or take the M-42 West Bus to Hudson River (12th Ave). Walk North to Intrepid

U.S.S. CONSTELLATION

Baltimore Maritime Museum
Inner Harbor
Baltimore, MD 21202
http://www.historicships.org/

Just a short drive down I-95 takes us to a treasure trove of historic ships that escaped Davey Jones Locker and remain preserved for future generations in Baltimore's popular Inner Harbor. The centerpiece is one of six original frigates built for the newly minted United States Navy and launched here in Baltimore in 1797. She carried the flag and marines to "the shores of Tripoli" and helped sweep Barbary pirates from the Mediterranean. Standing on her quarter deck before the helm offers a glimpse of the sail power in the days of "wooden ships and iron men." Constellations cannons still penetrate her gun ports and visitors can experience the cramped quarters where 18th century seamen ducked-walked under heavy beams to their hammocks after a hard day, aloft in the intricate rigging.

For prices that include other historic ships and Baltimore Maritime Museum attractions, go to: http://www.historicships.org/online_tickets.html

Getting there: Via I-95 South: Take I-95 South through the Ft. McHenry Tunnel (toll) to exit 53 (I-395 North, Downtown). After exiting follow signs to the Inner Harbor. Take a left on Light Street - the Inner Harbor will be on your right. Historic Ships in Baltimore is located on Piers 1, 3 and 5 along Pratt Street between Light Street and the President Street.

One Note: Constellation is currently in dry dock for maintenance, but will return for tours at the end of February.

COAST GUARD CUTTER TANEY

Baltimore Maritime Museum
Inner Harbor
Baltimore, MD 21202
http://www.historicships.org/taney.html

As a Coast Guard veteran I have a particular affinity for the cutter "Roger B. Taney". This legendary ship, launched in 1936 is the last surviving vessel from the Japanese assault on Pearl Harbor. Coast Guardsmen hold fast to the belief that the Taney was the first American ship to return enemy fire at Honolulu. She then went on to patrol the Hawaiian Islands, searching for hostile submarines and then to convoy duty in the Atlantic. This largest cutter of its day served in Viet Nam and remained a vital part of America's oldest seagoing service until decommissioning a half century after she was launched in Philadelphia. Now alongside the Constellation in Baltimore's Inner Harbor, the Taney offers visitors a chance to experience life aboard a highly maneuverable fast cutter.

For combined prices and hours, visit: http://www.historicships.org/online_tickets.html

Other historic ships at the Baltimore Maritime Museum are the World War Two diesel submarine "Torsk" and the lightship "Chesapeake."

Our region is also home to a pair of classic sailing vessels that were workhorses of their time and are now always on the lookout for visitors and volunteers.

Check out the oyster dredging schooner A.J. Meerwald in Port Norris, NJ at: http://www.ajmeerwald.org/index.htm and the Gazella of Philadelphia, a Grand Banks Portuguese cod fishing barquentine. She serves now as Philadelphia's entry in the world of tall ships and is berthed at Penn's Landing. http://www.gazela.org/

Reported by Jay Lloyd