SS Valley Camp facts for kids
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The SS Valley Camp is a large cargo ship, also known as a lake freighter. It sailed on the Great Lakes for nearly 50 years. Today, it is a museum ship located in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Visitors can explore the ship and learn about its history.
Contents
| History | |
|---|---|
 United States |
|
| Name |
|
| Owner |
|
| Builder | American Shipbuilding Co. |
| Launched | 1917 |
| In service | 1917-1966 |
| Status | Museum ship |
| General characteristics | |
| Tons burthen | 12,000 GRT |
| Length | 550 ft (170 m) |
| Beam | 58 ft (18 m) |
| Depth of hold | 31 ft (9.4 m) |
| Installed power | 1,800 hp (1,300 kW) triple expansion steam engine |
|
SS Valley Camp
|
|
 Location in Michigan
|
|
| Location | Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan |
| Built | 1917 |
| Architect | American Shipbuilding Co. |
| NRHP reference No. | 72000606 |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP | 1 February 1972 |
The Valley Camp: A Great Lakes Ship
The Valley Camp was built in 1917 in Lorain, Ohio. Its first name was the Louis W. Hill. It was owned by the National Steel Corporation. For 38 years, the ship carried important materials like iron ore and coal. These materials were vital for making steel.
Changing Owners and Names
In 1955, the Louis W. Hill was sold to the Wilson Marine Transit Company. This is when it got its current name, Valley Camp. With its new owner, the ship started carrying more types of goods. These included grains and stone.
The Valley Camp stayed with the Wilson Fleet for only four years. In 1959, the Republic Steel Corporation bought the ship. They also bought several other ships from the Wilson fleet. One of these was the Silver Bay, which was the Valley Camp's identical sister ship. Republic Steel kept the name Valley Camp. The ship continued to carry iron ore and coal. It delivered these goods to steel mills in Buffalo, New York, Cleveland, Ohio, and Indiana Harbor, Indiana.
Final Voyage and Retirement
The Valley Camp made its last trip in 1966. The ship was not too old to sail. However, it had a big problem with its coal-burning boiler. This issue led to its retirement. Interestingly, its sister ship, the Silver Bay, kept sailing until the early 1980s.
Becoming a Museum Ship
In 1968, a group called Le Sault de Sainte Marie Historical Sites, Inc. bought the ship. They paid $10,000 for it. On July 6, 1968, the ship was towed from Wisconsin to Sault Ste. Marie. This happened during Sault Ste. Marie's 300th anniversary celebration.
As a museum ship, the Valley Camp is very important. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is a special historical site. Many tourists visit the ship in Sault Ste. Marie. They can explore almost every part of it.
What You Can See Inside
The ship's large cargo hold is now a museum space. It holds hundreds of interesting items. You can see old paintings and things found from shipwrecks. There are also models of ships. Two lifeboats from the famous wreck of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald are on display. These exhibits teach visitors about the history of sailing on the Great Lakes.
Ship Design and Features
The Valley Camp is a very long ship. It measures 550 feet (170 m) from end to end. Its main body, called the keel, is 525-foot (160 m) long. The ship is 58 feet (18 m) wide and 31 feet (9.4 m) deep. It could carry a huge amount of cargo, up to 12,000 gross tons.
Engine and Power
The ship was powered by a 1,800 horsepower (1,300 kW) triple expansion reciprocating steam engine. This type of engine uses steam to create power. The Valley Camp still has this original engine today.
Crew Quarters and Wheelhouse
The Valley Camp was never the most important ship in its fleet. Its living areas for the crew were simple but comfortable. The crew's rooms have wood trim and basic bunk beds. The wheelhouse, where the ship was steered, has wood walls and brass details. The ship's original steering wheel is still there.
Unique Features
At the back of the ship, the original smokestack is still in place. This includes its special double-chime whistle. The Valley Camp is very close to its original design. It is one of the best examples of the classic Great Lakes ore carriers. Hundreds of these ships once sailed, but very few are left today.
Images for kids
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Her steam engine
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Looking aft to the stack
