SS United States' Propeller Now The Centerpiece of NYC Pier 76
A powerful component of the SS United States' groundbreaking design - one of the ship's historic four-bladed propellers - is prominently featured at Pier 76, the newest recreational and cultural public space on Manhattan's Hudson River shoreline.
New York Chapter co-Chair Paul Stipkovich was on the scene for the Pier’s opening and snapped this great photo of the new space.
(Photo courtesy of Paul Stipkovich)
When fully completed, Pier 76 will serve as a recreational and cultural space along the Hudson River. Along with the Big U’s propeller, the park will include a total of nineteen interpretive panels relaying the history of the area, including the indigenous Lenape of Mannahatta and the evolution of the shipping industry.
Originally opened in 1964, Pier 76 served as a freighter terminal for United States Lines. It was regarded by many as a technical marvel and as a behemoth because it replaced three old piers and cost of $9 million to construct. The pier was leased by United States Lines from the City’s Department of Marine and Aviation at $2 million per year, for 20 years, and it was briefly the City’s most lucrative dock rental. United States Lines vacated the facility in the early 1970s ,though lettering displaying the company’s name continues to be seen on the front of the building. According to some online reports, lettering on the western side of the building (facing New Jersey) continued working until 2002.
During her service career, the SS United States - which was docked just up the river at Pier 86 for much of its service career - was fitted with four propellers, two four-bladed and two five-bladed. This configuration was tested and selected for its superior hydrodynamic performance, and the design was overseen by the pioneering Gibbs & Cox female engineer Elaine Kaplan. All of the propellers were manufactured from manganese bronze and each weighed an astounding 60,000 pounds.
The propeller now on display was recently moved from its previous location as part of the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum.
The Conservancy would like to thank the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, New York Governor Cuomo, and the Hudson River Park Trust for incorporating the SS United States at the entrance to this exciting new public space, where hundreds of thousands of visitors each year will be introduced to America's Flagship. Please stay tuned for additional updates and plans as we continue to highlight the ship's historical connections with New York's waterfront.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SS UNITED STATES’ PROPELLERS.
*Photos below courtesy of Matt Woods and Bob Driscoll.