In the early 20th century, steamships were more than just vessels of transportation, they were the heart of America’s industry and expanding horizons. At the turn of the century, these mighty shops crossed the roaring sea, linking distant shores and fueling commerce. In 1900, steamships played a pivotal role in building the infrastructure that would propel America to global prominence. We hope you’re ready to see some of the world’s most amazing ships because we’re here to share them with you. Here are 15 images of the steamships that helped build America.
1. One of the most famous shipwreck photos.
This is the SS Princess May. It was built in 1888 and is best known for grounding in 1910. The ship stuck completely out of the water.
2. The SS Korea.
This ship was from the Pacific Mail Steamship Company, and it was a beast.
3. Is this the largest ship with a single funnel?
The Carpathia was 170 meters in length and only had a single funnel. I’m surprised such a beast can run with just one.
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4. Indian River Lagoon Steamship landing at Rockledge, Florida.
This looks like a different country, but to my surprise, this is Florida.
5. Unloading bananas from a Steamship.
These men are unloading bananas at a port in New Orleans. People in NOLA must love bananas.
6. The great Oceanic.
You could fit an entire state population on this Steamship.
7. The SS Warrimoo.
This ship is famous for its captain, John Phillips, who crossed the IDL and the equator at the exact turn of 1899 and 1900. This means he was in two different years at the same moment.
8. The SS Galeka’s reputation precedes her.
This ship was the last vessel to enter service before the merger between the Union and Castle shipping lines in 1900.
9. Here we see the size comparison of the SS Galeka next to the HMHS Britannic.
This famous photo shows that there is no way to see the sheer size of these ships until they are next to another one.
10. A postcard from the SS France.
This massive “four stacker” could travel for months at a time. It looks oddly similar to the infamous Titanic.
11. I love the Inman Line ships.
The beautiful and majestic SS City of New York. This ship is my favorite, can you guess why?
12. The SS Princess Kathleen right before sinking.
The entire event was captured in photographs. In 2010, a salvage operation removed 490,000 liters of oil that threatened to leak and cause environmental contamination.
13. The SS Colombia and Sonoma.
These ships are docked at the Moore Dry Dock Co. in Oakland, CA.
14. The USRC Seminole, 1900.
This is my favorite photo listed. Check out the size of the crew on board.
15. The RMS Empress.
This ship was built for the Canadian Pacific Steamship CO, 1890. Imagine being on the team that builds these massive vessels.
