Western Union, Museum ship at Key West Historic Seaport, United States
Description
The Western Union is a two-masted schooner located at Key West Historic Seaport. Built with a mahogany frame and pine planking, this wooden sailing vessel now operates as a museum ship for visitors to explore.
History
Built in 1939, this vessel served as a cable-laying ship until 1974, connecting Florida cities with Caribbean islands and South American ports through undersea telegraph cables.
Culture
The vessel represents Florida maritime heritage as the last surviving working tall ship built in the state and functions as the official flagship.
Practical
The ship is moored at William Street and open for visitors to board and explore the interior spaces. Check ahead since ongoing restoration work may affect which areas are accessible on any given day.
Did you know?
This vessel was the last working tall ship actually built and used in Florida, making it a rare survivor of the state's maritime tradition. Its construction methods using mahogany and pine represent wooden shipbuilding techniques that have nearly disappeared.
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