List of U.S. state ships facts for kids

Did you know that many U.S. states have special symbols like state birds or flowers? Well, some states also have official state ships! These ships are chosen by the state's government because they are important to the state's history, culture, or economy. They often represent the spirit and heritage of the people who live there.

Ships of the States

Arizona's Historic Battleship

The USS Arizona Memorial in Hawaii.

Arizona's official state ship is the USS Arizona (BB-39). This powerful battleship was launched in 1915. Sadly, it was sunk during the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. Today, a special memorial stands over its resting place. This memorial honors all the brave sailors who lost their lives on that day. Two earlier ships also carried the name USS Arizona.

California's Tall Ship

The schooner Californian sailing on the water.

California's official state tall ship is the Californian. It was chosen in 2003. This beautiful ship is a replica of a revenue cutter from 1849. It helps people learn about California's maritime history. A "tall ship" is a large, traditionally rigged sailing vessel.

Connecticut's Submarine and Schooner

The USS Nautilus during its sea trials.

Connecticut has two official state ships. The first is the USS Nautilus (SSN-571), chosen in 1983. This was the world's first nuclear-powered submarine. It changed naval history forever.

The Freedom Schooner Amistad sailing.

The second is the Freedom Schooner Amistad, chosen in 2003. It is Connecticut's state flagship and tall ship ambassador. This ship is a replica of the Amistad, a ship famous for a slave revolt in 1839. It teaches about freedom and justice.

Delaware's Historic Ship

The Kalmar Nyckel sailing on the Chesapeake Bay.

Delaware's state tall ship is the Kalmar Nyckel. It was chosen in 2016. This ship is a replica of the vessel that brought the first Swedish settlers to Delaware in 1638. It represents the state's early history.

Massachusetts's Schooner

The Ernestina (originally Effie M. Morrissey) in 1894.

Massachusetts's official vessel is the Schooner Ernestina. It was chosen in 1994. This historic schooner was built in 1894. It has a long history of fishing, exploring the Arctic, and even serving as a Cape Verde packet.

Maryland's Unique Boat

A Maryland skipjack boat.

Maryland's state boat is the Skipjack. It was chosen in 1985. Skipjacks are traditional fishing boats. They are known for dredging oysters in the Chesapeake Bay. They are an important part of Maryland's fishing heritage.

Maine's Arctic Explorer

The schooner Bowdoin at Sable Island.

Maine's state sailing vessel is the Bowdoin. It was chosen in 1987. This schooner was designed for Arctic exploration. It has made many trips to the far north. It is known for its strength and ability to handle icy waters.

New Jersey's Oyster Schooner

The A. J. Meerwald in Cape May Harbor.

New Jersey's state tall ship is the A. J. Meerwald. It was chosen in 1998. This historic schooner was built in 1928. It was originally an oyster dredging boat. Today, it helps people learn about New Jersey's maritime history and environment.

North Carolina's Historical Boat

North Carolina's state historical boat is the Shad boat. It was chosen in 1987. Shad boats are unique to North Carolina. They were designed for fishing in the shallow waters of the sounds and rivers. They are known for their speed and stability.

Ohio's Submarine

The USS Ohio during its conversion.

Ohio's official state ship is the USS Ohio (SSGN-726). It was chosen in 1981. This is a powerful nuclear-powered submarine. It is part of the U.S. Navy's fleet.

Pennsylvania's Flagship

The U.S. Brig Niagara sailing.

Pennsylvania's flagship of the commonwealth is the U.S. Brig Niagara. It was chosen in 1988. This ship is a replica of the brig that fought in the War of 1812. It played a key role in the Battle of Lake Erie.

Rhode Island's Flagship and Yacht

The SSV Oliver Hazard Perry sailing.

Rhode Island has two official state ships. The first is the SSV Oliver Hazard Perry, chosen in 2018. It is the state's flagship and tall ship ambassador. This modern tall ship is used for educational programs.

The second is the 12-meter Yacht Courageous, chosen in 2000. This famous yacht won the America's Cup in both 1974 and 1977. The America's Cup is a very famous international sailing race.

Texas's Battleship and Tall Ship

The USS Texas battleship.

Texas also has two official state ships. The first is the USS Texas (BB-35), chosen in 1995. This battleship served in both World War I and World War II. It is now a museum ship.

The tall ship Elissa.

The second is the Elissa, chosen in 2005. This is a historic iron-hulled sailing ship. It was built in 1877. It is one of the oldest sailing ships still in operation.

Utah's Battleship

The USS Utah battleship.

Utah's official state ship is the USS Utah (BB-31). This battleship was also sunk during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Like the USS Arizona, it remains at Pearl Harbor as a memorial.

Virginia's State Boat

Virginia's state boat is the Chesapeake Bay deadrise. This traditional workboat is important to the Chesapeake Bay's fishing industry. It is known for its unique design and its role in harvesting seafood.

Washington's Ships

The Lady Washington sailing.

Washington state has two official ships. The MV President Washington was chosen in 1983. It later became the MV Mahimahi. The second is the Lady Washington, chosen in 2007. This ship is a replica of the first American ship to reach the Pacific Northwest coast. It is used for educational voyages.