On her maiden voyage, the SS United States shattered the trans-Atlantic speed record in both directions. She was the first American ship in 100 years to capture the coveted Blue Riband (awarded to the fastest trans-Atlantic ocean liner). Amazingly, she still holds the record more than 60 years later.
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Top 5 Facts About the SS United States
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Suggested by
Christopher Smith
It's About 100 Feet Longer Than the Titanic
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Suggested by
Christopher Smith
The Rich, the Famous, and the Presidents Traveled on Her
The SS United States' designer, William Francis Gibbs, wanted his ship to be fireproof, so he insisted that no wood be used in her construction or fittings. Most of the ship was made out of asbestos, which was later known to be hazardous.
