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Plight of the USS Olympia

1800-1914 Discuss Plight of the USS Olympia in the Other Eras forums; In February 2010, the Independence Seaport Museum (ISM) announced that the aging Spanish-American War Cruiser Olympia, a National Historic Landmark ...

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    Senior Member diddyriddick's Avatar
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    Plight of the USS Olympia

    In February 2010, the Independence Seaport Museum (ISM) announced that the aging Spanish-American War Cruiser Olympia, a National Historic Landmark and one-of-a-kind former U.S. Navy vessel was in need of substantial and costly hull repairs to prevent her from sinking.



    Historic Ships - USS Olympia

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    Senior Member RabidAlien's Avatar
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    Its a shame to see this happen, and while a part of me wants to hold on to every artifact of even minor historical significance, another part of me knows that's not possible. If nobody steps up to take over the repairs/maintenance, they should tow her out and sink her to become an artificial reef/recreational dive site. Don't cut her up to make skillets and razor blades. That's just wrong no matter how you look at it.


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    Senior Member diddyriddick's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by RabidAlien View Post
    Its a shame to see this happen, and while a part of me wants to hold on to every artifact of even minor historical significance, another part of me knows that's not possible. If nobody steps up to take over the repairs/maintenance, they should tow her out and sink her to become an artificial reef/recreational dive site. Don't cut her up to make skillets and razor blades. That's just wrong no matter how you look at it.
    Agreed. And the cost to fix her is unbelievable! 22.5 million?

    Gulp!

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    Senior Member Messy1's Avatar
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    That is a lot of money. At some point you have to consider how much longer a project like this can go on if it is not bringing enough money itself to cover expenses. I agree it would be nice if every piece of history like this could be saved.

    Bryon O.




    "When you are at the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on!" Franklin Roosevelt


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    I personally think that the govt should step in and preserve the ship, if she is such an integral part of US history. 22.5 million is peanuts in the 'bigger picture', and the ongoing costs after restoration will probably be quite small. HMS Victory has been preserved and maintained at public expense, and offers great value for money...
    "Any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind;
    and therefore never send to ask for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee" - John Donne, Meditation XVII

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    Senior Member diddyriddick's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by BombTaxi View Post
    I personally think that the govt should step in and preserve the ship, if she is such an integral part of US history. 22.5 million is peanuts in the 'bigger picture', and the ongoing costs after restoration will probably be quite small. HMS Victory has been preserved and maintained at public expense, and offers great value for money...
    Normally speaking it doesn't work that way in the States. We have a few museum ships that are maintained by the National Park Service, but most are administered by the states and private groups.

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    Senior Member vikingBerserker's Avatar
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    I'd prefer them to drag it on land and set it up that way instead of destroying her.

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    Senior Member Smoke's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by vikingBerserker View Post
    I'd prefer them to drag it on land and set it up that way instead of destroying her.
    I agree. Though I'm not sure where they'd put it...

    He who sees first, lives longest.

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    Senior Member Thorlifter's Avatar
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    There is room there at Penn's landing for her to be on dry dock. I've been there a few times and aboard her twice.

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    The Pop-Tart Whisperer Njaco's Avatar
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    Senior Member Messy1's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by vikingBerserker View Post
    I'd prefer them to drag it on land and set it up that way instead of destroying her.
    I was wondering the same thing VB. Would this be a viable option after it's restored?

    Bryon O.




    "When you are at the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on!" Franklin Roosevelt


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