Arthur Foss

Arthur Foss is a tugboat measuring 111.5 feet long with twin engines, wooden hull, and equipment spanning different periods of maritime technology. The vessel is preserved today as a museum at the Northwest Seaport Maritime Heritage Center for visitors to explore.

Built in 1889 in Portland, Oregon as the Wallowa, the vessel originally towed sailing ships over the Columbia River bar. It later supported the Klondike Gold Rush operations in 1898 and witnessed major shifts in Pacific Northwest maritime activity.

The vessel became known through its appearance in the 1933 film Tugboat Annie, where it played the Narcissus before being renamed to honor the company president. The ship's presence tells the story of how working boats shaped daily life and entertainment in the Pacific Northwest.

The vessel is docked at Lake Union Park and accessible through the Northwest Seaport Maritime Heritage Center near the waterfront. Wear comfortable shoes since exploring involves walking around and climbing aboard the ship.

The tugboat escaped from Wake Island in December 1941, just before the Japanese invasion during World War II. This dramatic episode links the vessel's story to broader Pacific theater events during the war.

Location: Seattle

GPS coordinates: 47.62810,-122.33700

Latest update: December 8, 2025 20:01