SS Republic Small Preserve Shipwreck Bottle
Small Preserve Bottle
Certified (C.O.A. Included)
Guidebook & DVD Included!
Wood stand with plaque included!
Bottle Measures: 6" Tall 2 1/2" Wide
 
The SS Republic was a passenger steamship built in 1853 by the renowned shipbuilders, William H. Webb & Co. of New York. At the time, it was one of the largest and most luxurious vessels of its kind, measuring 256 feet in length and weighing over 2,000 tons. The ship was used primarily for transporting passengers and cargo between New York and New Orleans, two of the most important ports in the United States at the time.
 
In 1865, during the final days of the American Civil War, the SS Republic was carrying a valuable cargo of gold and silver coins, intended to fund the Union's war effort. The ship had departed from New York and was en route to New Orleans when it encountered a severe hurricane off the coast of Georgia. The storm battered the vessel relentlessly, causing it to list heavily and take on water. Despite the efforts of the crew to keep the ship afloat, the SS Republic ultimately sank to the ocean floor.
 
The sinking of the SS Republic was a tragedy that claimed the lives of over 40 people, including passengers and crew. However, the ship's cargo of gold and silver coins remained intact and was eventually discovered by a team of salvagers in 2003, nearly 140 years after the vessel sank. The coins, which had been packed in wooden barrels, had remained remarkably well-preserved and were valued at over $75 million.
 
The discovery of the SS Republic's treasure trove sparked renewed interest in the history of the ship and its fateful voyage. Today, the story of the SS Republic is considered one of the most fascinating and significant maritime tragedies in American history. It serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by sailors and passengers on the high seas, as well as the incredible resilience of those who survived such perilous journeys.