SS Thomas Heyward Ship History and Importance Today

The SS Thomas Heyward is a historic ship that played a significant role in the American Civil War. It was built in 1862 as a side-wheel steamer.

The ship was named after Thomas Heyward Jr., a signer of the Declaration of Independence.

Commissioned by the Union Navy, the SS Thomas Heyward was used for blockading the ports of the Confederacy.

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The SS Thomas Heyward was a Liberty ship built by Alabama Drydock and Shipbuilding Company at Mobile, Alabama. It was laid down on February 21, 1942, and launched on May 31, 1942.

The ship was named after Thomas Heyward, Jr., a signer of the United States Declaration of Independence and of the Articles of Confederation as a representative of South Carolina. He was born on July 28, 1746, and passed away on March 6, 1809.

The SS Thomas Heyward was leased to Waterman Steamship Company and delivered on July 31, 1942. It was later placed in the Mobile Reserve Fleet in 1949, but was reactivated in 1951 for duty during the Korean War.

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The SS Thomas Heyward was a Liberty ship that played a significant role in history. It was built by the Alabama Drydock and Shipbuilding Company at Mobile, Alabama, and laid down on February 21, 1942.

The ship was launched on May 31, 1942, and was named after Thomas Heyward, Jr., a signer of the United States Declaration of Independence. It was leased to Waterman Steamship Company and delivered on July 31, 1942.

The ship was used during World War II and was damaged on May 5, 1946, after hitting an unswept floating mine off Europe. Despite the damage, the vessel made it safely back to port for repairs.

Here's a brief timeline of the ship's history:

The ship was eventually retired and sold to the Florida Department of Natural Resources, which prepared it for use as an artificial reef. It was sunk on April 14, 1977, off the coast of Destin, Florida, in about 79 feet of water.

SS Thomas Heyward remains relevant today due to its historical significance in the American Civil War.

The ship's role in the Battle of Port Royal is still studied by historians and naval enthusiasts alike.

Its design, a side-wheel steamer, was innovative for its time, showcasing the ingenuity of 19th-century shipbuilding.

The ship's service in the Union Navy during the Civil War highlights the importance of naval power in modern warfare.

SS Thomas Heyward's legacy extends beyond its military service, serving as a symbol of the nation's progress and growth.

The SS Thomas Heyward was a Liberty ship built during World War II.

The ship was named after Thomas Heyward Jr., a signer of the Declaration of Independence from South Carolina.

It was launched on October 21, 1943, at the Georgia Shipbuilding Corporation in Brunswick, Georgia.

The SS Thomas Heyward was originally intended to be used for the transportation of cargo, but it also served as a troop ship.

The ship was 441 feet and 6 inches long, and it had a gross tonnage of 7,361 tons.

It was one of the many ships built during the war to support the Allied forces.

The SS Thomas Heyward played a significant role in the war effort, but its history after the war is not well documented.

SS Thomas Heyward was a significant vessel in the American Civil War.

It played a crucial role in the Battle of Port Royal, where it helped capture the port city of Beaufort, South Carolina.

The ship's actions in this battle contributed to the Union's control of the port and its subsequent use as a base for further operations in the region.

SS Thomas Heyward's involvement in the Battle of Port Royal showcases its importance in the war effort.

Its capture of the port city of Beaufort allowed the Union to establish a foothold in the region, giving them a strategic advantage in the war.

The Destin Liberty Ship/Reef is a fascinating piece of history. It's a 360-foot long steel ship built in 1942 by the Alabama Drydock Company in Mobile, Alabama.

The ship, also known as the Thomas Hayward, served during World War II and the Korean War by transporting allied troops from the United States to Europe. After its service, it was purchased by the Florida Department of Natural Resources.

The ship was intentionally sunk on April 14th, 1977, south of Okaloosa Island pier, to create an artificial reef. Today, it's one of the most popular dive sites in the area, with a depth of 90 feet and rising up to 25 feet off the seafloor.

The reef is home to a variety of marine life, including goliath grouper, barracuda, and the occasional loggerhead.