Digital Exhibits
SS Roosevelt
SS Roosevelt
SS Roosevelt was the first ship ever built in the Western Hemisphere for Arctic exploration. The McKay and Dix Shipyard laid her keel at Bucksport, Maine, on 19 October 1904. The ship was launched on 23 March 1905 and christened SS Roosevelt in honor of President Theodore Roosevelt, who had openly supported Robert Edwin Peary, Sr. and played an instrumental role in arranging for the U.S. Navy to grant Peary a leave of absence so that he could continue his Arctic explorations. After fitting out, she was delivered to her owner, the Peary Arctic Club, in July 1905. She drew considerable attention because of her innovative design and at the time of her construction she was considered the strongest wooden vessel ever built. United States Navy Commander Robert Peary designed Roosevelt specifically for operations in support of his Arctic exploration expeditions.
SS Roosevelt was the first ship ever built in the Western Hemisphere for Arctic exploration. The McKay and Dix Shipyard laid her keel at Bucksport, Maine, on 19 October 1904. The ship was launched on 23 March 1905 and christened SS Roosevelt in honor of President Theodore Roosevelt, who had openly supported Robert Edwin Peary, Sr. and played an instrumental role in arranging for the U.S. Navy to grant Peary a leave of absence so that he could continue his Arctic explorations. After fitting out, she was delivered to her owner, the Peary Arctic Club, in July 1905. She drew considerable attention because of her innovative design and at the time of her construction she was considered the strongest wooden vessel ever built. United States Navy Commander Robert Peary designed Roosevelt specifically for operations in support of his Arctic exploration expeditions.
March 23, 1905 Launch of the SS Roosevelt