Arthur Foss
Encyclopedia
The Arthur Foss, built in 1889, is one of the oldest wooden-hulled tugboats afloat in the United States. In 1898, in response to the Alaskan gold rush, she transported barges full of gold seeking miners and supplies up the Inside Passage. There are no other Alaskan Gold Rush vessels still operating today. She was cast by the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
movie studio to play in its 1933 production Tugboat Annie
. In World War II
, Arthur Foss journeyed south to join the war effort. Before the Battle of Wake Island
began in late 1941, she was the last vessel to get away. After the war, she served the economy of the Northwest by working in the timber industry.
The Arthur Foss has a six-cylinder, 700 hp diesel engine
. Her top speed is 13 knots (25.5 km/h). The vessel is 111.6 feet (34 m) long with a beam of 23.9 feet (7.3 m) and a draft of 15 feet (4.6 m). When last operated the vessel was owned by Foss Launch and Tug Company
(now Foss Maritime) who donated her to Northwest Seaport
in 1970. Northwest Seaport
renovated her in 2004. The vessel was declared a National Historic Landmark
in 1989 and is a city landmark as well. and a featured attraction at Seattle's new South Lake Union Park
. The vessel is open for public tours on most summer weekends, or by appointment.
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. is an American media company, involved primarily in the production and distribution of films and television programs. MGM was founded in 1924 when the entertainment entrepreneur Marcus Loew gained control of Metro Pictures, Goldwyn Pictures Corporation and Louis B. Mayer...
movie studio to play in its 1933 production Tugboat Annie
Tugboat Annie
For the 1957 syndicated television series, see The Adventures of Tugboat Annie.Tugboat Annie is a 1933 movie starring Marie Dressler and Wallace Beery as a comically quarrelsome middle-aged couple who operate a tugboat...
. In World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, Arthur Foss journeyed south to join the war effort. Before the Battle of Wake Island
Battle of Wake Island
The Battle of Wake Island began simultaneously with the Attack on Pearl Harbor and ended on 23 December 1941, with the surrender of the American forces to the Empire of Japan...
began in late 1941, she was the last vessel to get away. After the war, she served the economy of the Northwest by working in the timber industry.
Diesel engine
A diesel engine is an internal combustion engine that uses the heat of compression to initiate ignition to burn the fuel, which is injected into the combustion chamber...
. Her top speed is 13 knots (25.5 km/h). The vessel is 111.6 feet (34 m) long with a beam of 23.9 feet (7.3 m) and a draft of 15 feet (4.6 m). When last operated the vessel was owned by Foss Launch and Tug Company
Foss Launch and Tug Company
Foss Launch and Tug Company was founded in 1889 by Thea Foss and her husband Andrew Foss. The company, now known as Foss Maritime, is now the largest tug and towing concern on the west coast of the United States.-Course of business:...
(now Foss Maritime) who donated her to Northwest Seaport
Northwest Seaport
The Northwest Seaport Maritime Heritage Center is a nonprofit organization in Seattle, Washington dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of Puget Sound and Northwest Coast maritime heritage, expressed through educational programs and experiences available to the public...
in 1970. Northwest Seaport
Northwest Seaport
The Northwest Seaport Maritime Heritage Center is a nonprofit organization in Seattle, Washington dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of Puget Sound and Northwest Coast maritime heritage, expressed through educational programs and experiences available to the public...
renovated her in 2004. The vessel was declared a National Historic Landmark
National Historic Landmark
A National Historic Landmark is a building, site, structure, object, or district, that is officially recognized by the United States government for its historical significance...
in 1989 and is a city landmark as well. and a featured attraction at Seattle's new South Lake Union Park
South Lake Union Park
Lake Union Park is a park located at the south end of Lake Union in Seattle, Washington in the South Lake Union neighborhood. The park is owned by the City of Seattle and operated by Seattle Parks and Recreation. The park property was gradually acquired by the City, and the final were...
. The vessel is open for public tours on most summer weekends, or by appointment.