Atalanta (1883) facts for kids
Atalanta photographed by Nathaniel Stebbins in 1887
|
|
Quick facts for kids History |
|
|---|---|
| Name | Atalanta |
| Owner | Jay Gould |
| Builder | William Cramp & Sons, Philadelphia |
| Fate | Sold to Venezuelan Navy 1900 |
 Venezuela |
|
| Name | Restaurador |
| Acquired | 1900 |
| General characteristics as built | |
| Type | Yacht |
| Length | 228 ft (69 m) |
The Atalanta was a large steam yacht built in 1883 in Philadelphia by William Cramp & Sons. It was originally owned by Jay Gould, a very rich businessman. This impressive ship was 228-foot (69 m) long.
In 1900, the Atalanta was sold to the Venezuelan Navy. They renamed it Restaurador, which means "Restorer". It then served as a gunboat, a type of small warship.
During a disagreement called the Venezuelan crisis of 1902–03, the Restaurador was captured by the German Navy. The German forces were blocking Venezuela's ports because of unpaid debts. The ship was used by the Germans for a short time. After the crisis ended, the Restaurador was given back to Venezuela. It was later renamed General Salom and continued to serve the Venezuelan Navy until 1950.
Ship's Journey and Role
The Atalanta was built for Jay Gould in the same year the American Yacht Club was started. Having such a grand steamship as part of the club's fleet was seen as a big achievement.
When the ship became the Restaurador for Venezuela, its role changed from a luxury yacht to a military vessel. It was involved in the Venezuelan crisis, which was a time when several European countries used their navies to pressure Venezuela to pay its debts. The Restaurador played a part in these events before being returned to Venezuela and serving for many more years.
