Tug Ludington facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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MAJOR WILBUR FR. BROWDER (tugboat)
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Tug Ludington
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 Location in Wisconsin
Location in the United States
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| Location | Harbor Park, Kilbourn St., Kewaunee, Wisconsin |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1943 |
| Built by | Jacobsen Shipyard |
| Architect | Cox and Stevens |
| Architectural style | Weled Steel Tug |
| NRHP reference No. | 02000284 |
| Added to NRHP | March 28, 2002 |
The Tug Ludington is a special boat from World War II. It was built in 1943 at Jacobsen Shipyard in Oyster Bay, New York. The U.S. Army first called it LT-4. This tugboat played a big part in the D-Day invasion. It helped by pulling important barges across the English Channel.
After the war, the tugboat joined the U.S. Army Transportation Corps. In 1947, it moved to Kewaunee, Wisconsin. There, it was renamed the Tug Ludington. This tugboat helped build and maintain many harbors on the Great Lakes. Today, you can visit the Tug Ludington at Harbor Park in Downtown Kewaunee. It is open for tours. The Tug Ludington, known by its old name Major Wilbur Fr. Browder, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Contents
What is the Tug Ludington?
The Tug Ludington is a type of boat called a large tug (LT). It was strong enough to sail all the way to England by itself. During World War II, hundreds of these large tugs were built. However, only a few of them still exist today in their original form.
How Many Ships Did the Army Have?
You might think the U.S. Navy had the most ships in World War II. But the U.S. Army actually had almost twice as many ships! This included thousands of smaller boats used in harbors. The Browder was one of these important Army ships.
Meet a Sister Tug
The Tug Ludington had a sister ship named LT-5. This tugboat was first called Major Elisha K. Enson. Today, it is known as the Nash. The Nash also has a similar history and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Tugboat's Look and Crew
The Browder was first painted navy gray. But as the Ludington, it now wears the colors of the Corps of Engineers. These colors are mainly black, silver, and red. This shows its second job as a construction and maintenance ship.
How Big is the Tugboat?
The Tug Ludington is 115 feet long. That's about the length of three school buses! It is 26 feet wide and goes 14 feet 3 inches deep into the water.
Who Worked on the Tug?
During World War II, the tugboat had a crew of 24 people. When it was operated by the Corps of Engineers, it needed 14 crew members.
