Historic Ships in Baltimore Inc

Historic Ships in Baltimore is the home of five American Maritime treasures:

SLOOP-OF-WAR USS CONSTELLATION

Built in 1854, USS Constellation is the last all-sail ship built by the US Navy that is still afloat.  In 1859 USS Constellation became the flagship of the US African Squadron, charged with intercepting ships engaged in the illegal Transatlantic Slave Trade.  During the Civil War, Constellation protected US shipping in the Mediterranean and served on the West Gulf Blockade.  During World War II, Constellation served as the flagship of the Atlantic Fleet.  Constellation also served as a training vessel for the US Naval Academy.

US COAST GUARD CUTTER TANEY

US Coast Guard Cutter Taney is the only warship still afloat that saw action during the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor.  Commissioned in 1936, this 327-foot High Endurance Cutter is one of seven Secretary Class ships built.  Beside World War II, Taney also saw service in Korea and Vietnam.  Taney gave a half century of service before being decommissioned in 1986.

US SUBMARINE TORSK

US Submarine Torsk sank the last enemy vessel of World War II.  Torsk was launched in late 1944 and represented the state-of-the-art US submarine technology in WWII.  The submarine carried out two wartime patrols in the Pacific, and on August 14, 1945, sank two Japanese costal defense frigates, the last enemy warships torpedoed before peace was achieved.  USS Torsk also has an amazing service record of 11,884 dives, among the highest total of any submarine in US history.

LIGHTSHIP 116 “CHESAPEAKE”

US Lightship #116 “Chesapeake” marked the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay for over 29 years.  Lightship #116 was initially assigned to Fenwick Island, Delaware in 1930.  In 1933, Lightship #116 was transferred to the approaches of the Chesapeake Bay where her bright red hull, masthead lamp, and loud foghorn guided mariners to safe harbor for 29 years.  From 1965-1970, Lightship #116 finished her career marking the Delaware Bay approaches.

SEVEN FOOT KNOLL LIGHTHOUSE

Built in 1856, Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse is the oldest screw pile lighthouse in Maryland.  The lighthouse marked the mouth of Baltimore’s Harbor for 133 years before being moved to the Inner Harbor for restoration.  The lighthouse was built at the mouth of the Patapsco River, marking the shoal known as Seven Foot Knoll.  It was built on cast iron pilings with corkscrew-like bases that were screwed into the mud on the bottom of the Bay, eliminating the need for a masonry foundation.

In addition to the preservation of the ships and lighthouse, Historic Ships in Baltimore is dedicated to upholding the legacy the brave Americans who served aboard them through public tours and educational programs for school children from Baltimore and beyond. 

Located in the heart of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, Historic Ships in Baltimore is open daily for tours.  For more information on Historic Ships in Baltimore please visit us at www.historicships.org.