Equator (schooner) facts for kids
Equator configured as a tugboat, 1934
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| History | |
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 United States |
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| Builder | Mathew Turner |
| Launched | 1888 |
| Out of service | Abandoned (1956) |
| Status | Museum ship |
| General characteristics | |
| Installed power |
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| Sail plan | Schooner |
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Equator (schooner)
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 Location in Washington (state)
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| Location | 14th St. Yacht Basin Everett, Washington, United States |
| Built | 1888 |
| Architect | Matthew Turner |
| NRHP reference No. | 72001281 |
| Added to NRHP | 14 April 1972 |
The Equator was a special two-masted schooner ship. It became famous in 1889. That year, it carried the famous writer Robert Louis Stevenson and his wife, Fanny Vandegrift Stevenson. They sailed on an exciting journey through the islands of Micronesia.
During their trip, they visited several islands. These included Butaritari, Mariki, Apaiang, and Abemama. These islands are part of the Gilbert Islands, which are now known as Kiribati. There are even old photographs from Stevenson's voyage!
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The Ship's Long Life
The Equator was first built in San Francisco in 1888. It was designed to be a copra trader. Copra is dried coconut meat, used to make coconut oil. The ship would carry this product between islands.
Changes Over Time
The Equator changed a lot during its long life.
- In 1897, it was changed to run on steam power.
- Later, around the 1920s, it used gasoline.
- Finally, from 1941 onwards, it ran on diesel fuel.
This means the Equator used sail, steam, gasoline, and diesel power. It's rare for a ship to use so many different types of power!
What the Equator Did
The Equator was a very busy ship. It did many different jobs:
- It carried copra, as it was originally built to do.
- It was used for fishing.
- It worked as a tugboat, pulling other ships.
- It even helped the Geodetic Survey. This group maps the Earth's surface.
The ship had a special design called a "shoal draft." This meant it could sail in very shallow water. Because of this, it could get much closer to shore than other, bigger ships. This was very helpful for its trading and survey work.
A Historic Treasure
After many years of work, the Equator was finally abandoned. This happened in 1957 in the harbor at Everett, Washington. Even though it was no longer sailing, its history was not forgotten.
A Protected Landmark
In 1972, the Equator became very important. It was the first item from Everett to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places. This list protects important historical sites in the United States.
Today, what's left of the ship's hull is protected. It sits under a shed near the Port of Everett's Marina Park. People have tried to rebuild the ship many times, but it has been very difficult. It's unlikely that it will ever sail again.
The Equator was built in Benicia, California. It is the last known surviving hull from that time period. This makes it a very special piece of history.
Images for kids
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Equator configured as a tugboat, 1934
