by Evan Bindelglass (writing for Curbed)
What might be the greatest ocean liner in American history has only weeks left before it will likely have to be sold for scrap. The SS United States sailed back and forth from New York to Europe from 1952 to 1969, during which time she set the record for fastest Atlantic Ocean crossing (a title she still holds). There are grand visions of saving the ship—one proposal could turn the historic vessel into a stationary real estate development in Brooklyn’sGowanus Bay Terminal—but it costs too much to keep it docked in Philadelphia and, unless a plan is put in place by the end of the month, her owner will have to begin negotiations for recycling the ship, the New York Times reported.
The comings and goings of the 990-foot-long United States were a big deal during her 17 years of service. She carried celebrities galore, at least one President of the United States, and even the Mona Lisa. The design of her speedy propellers were kept secret during the Cold War. The ship also made appearances in popular culture, including the opening of the film West Side Story. As advanced as she was, she could not compete with the airliners of the jet age and was retired.
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