If you have ever seen the cars of the 1950's you know it was an exuberant, optimistic time. We had won World War II and all eyes were to the future. America was entering decade of chrome, technology (TV!) and rock 'n roll. But in 1945 a trans-Atlantic voyage required four or more days aboard a ship. Flying wouldn't be possible until 1958. Britain's Queen Mary was the fastest ocean liner of the day with a service speed of 29 knots.

American's wanted more! Philadelphia-born William Francis Gibbs set out to build the fastest ocean liner in the world. As the designer of the "Liberty Ships" Gibbs was well acquainted with the military. The military was well aware that the Queen Mary, acting as a troopship, had played a major role in winning the war. For that reason, they partnered with Gibbs to partially fund his new ship and provide the latest technology. Just shy of 80 million dollars later (in 1950 currency) the SS United States was born.

Built in Newport News, Virginia, the ship captured the attention of the world when she set the speed record on both west and east bound legs of her maiden voyage (she still hold the record as fastest ocean liner ever!). Amazed by her speed and racy good looks, passsengers and visitors aboard were thrilled to discover space-age interiors of brushed and polished aluminum, rather than dark, subdued wood as in most ships. Gibbs had sought to create not only the fastest, but the most fireproof ship in the world, allowing - as the story goes - only the butcher's block to be made of wood.

Few passengers enjoying her modern amenties and American hospitality were aware that if called into service the United States could transport 15,000 American troops anywhere in the world in under ten days. Fortunately, she we be placed on alert only once by President John F. Kennedy in October 1962.

The SS United States - often called the "First Lady of the Sea" - would carry the national pride of the country until 1969. After more than 400 crossings and nearly three million miles the "Big U" was retired from service. But this is not her whole story, nor the end of America's Ship of State.

Read a detailed history of the ship and enjoy a vintage film on her maiden crossing of the Atlantic in 1952 as well as other video.

Take a chronological look at highlights in the ship's history, bullet-pointed for quick reference.

Answers to some of the most common questions about the ship.

See what some fellow Americans have to say about the ship.

See video and still pictures of the ship then & now.