Galveston, Texas: SS Selma: Concrete Ship
Experimental warship with a concrete hull (ferrocement) just missed WWI when christened in 1919. The 400-foot-long SS Selma's stint as an oil tanker ended less than a year later when she hit a jetty and cracked. The ship has sat in the water here since March 9, 1922.
Seawolf Park
- Address:
- 100 Seawolf Park Blvd, Galveston, TX
- Directions:
- Best seen off the end of the fishing pier at the northern tip of Seawolf Park on Pelican Island. Bring binoculars or a telephoto lens.
- Hours:
- Daylight hours (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
- Phone:
- 409-797-5114
- Admission:
- $6 to park.
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Visitor Tips and News About SS Selma: Concrete Ship
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A closer view of the remains of the experimental concrete ship SS Selma.
[J. J. Kwashnak, 01/25/2018]Ride the Galveston-Bolivar Peninsula ferry for free for a good view of the Selma in her final resting place. You can drive your car onto the ferry or just park at the ferry landing and walk on. Observation area on upper deck ( caution-steep stairway) is air conditioned with restrooms, or you can stand outside.
[El Gallo Rey, 08/15/2013]
Mention to the guard you only are interested in seeing this ship and she will probably let you in free. Otherwise it may cost you $6.00 dollars just to turn around!
[Robin Cohea, 10/19/2012]Built in 1919 by F.F. Ley and Company in Mobile, Alabama, the SS Selma was originally intended to serve during World War II. However, the signing of the Treaty of Versailles on June 28, 1919 officially ended the war. The SS Selma was then commissioned as an oil tanker in the Gulf of Mexico. In May of 1920, the ship hit a jetty in Tampico, Mexico, tearing a 60 foot crack in her side. The ship was towed to Galveston for repairs but workers there were inexperienced in working with concrete ships. She remained in Galveston until 1922 when officials decided to dredge a 25 foot trench off Pelican Island and scuttle her there.
Today, the SS Selma still rests in the waters just north of Galveston. She can be clearly seen from Seawolf Park in Galveston, among other locations.
[Cindy L., 03/25/2012]Nearby Offbeat Places
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