The SS Columbia is the oldest and grandest surviving passenger excursion vessel in the United States and the finest surviving work by Frank Kirby, one of America’s preeminent Naval Architects. Built in 1902 and fitted with a rare – and intact – 1200 horsepower triple expansion steam engine, the SS Columbia was designed to carry 3,200 passengers on its five decks. Adorned with mahogany paneling, gilded moldings, art glass, a grand staircase and an innovative ballroom, the ship’s stunning interiors were created in collaboration with the noted painter and designer Louis O. Keil. After years of neglect, the SS Columbia was designated by the Federal Government as a “priority one – threatened” National Historic Landmark. The ship has since been acquired by the SS Columbia Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to restoring the Columbia as a unique educational, cultural and heritage tourism resource. The restored Columbia will travel the waters of the Hudson River and New York Harbor linking the historic communities of the Hudson Valley together, and contributing to the region’s social, economic and cultural development.

Click on an image to download a high resolution image. Photos courtesy of the Edward J. Dowling, S.J., Marine Historical Collection, University of Detroit, Mercy Library. Please contact us for assistance securing permissions to use.

Current Condition

An endangered treasure: Since 1991 the Columbia has been laid up afloat at an industrial facility on the outskirts of Detroit, Mich., with minimal maintenance. The vessel was shrink-wrapped to protect it against the elements in 2005. The shrink-wrap has failed and needs to be replaced. During the long period of neglect the four basic components of the Columbia’s structure – her hull, superstructure, boilers, and engine – have weathered differently and were thoroughly evaluated during feasibility studies sponsored by the National Park Service and the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy:

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Blue Prints

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