Charles W. Morgan Launched at Mystic Seaport [GALLERY]

Photo: Mystic Seaport

The United States’ oldest commercial vessel and the world’s last surviving wooden whaling ship was re-launched this past weekend at Mystic Seaport, exactly 172 years after the vessel’s initial launch.

The Morgan was hauled out in November 2008 for an extensive $15 million restoration at the Museum’s Henry B. duPont Preservation Shipyard. The rebuild focussed on areas of the vessel from the waterline down, including planking and ribs, keel work (16″ hog eliminated) and also addressed the bow and stern.

The Morgan was christened by great-great grand daughter of Charles Wain Morgan using a blend of water from the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans.

The vessel, now a National Historic Landmark, was built in 1841 in New Bedford, MA and had 37 successful voyages throughout her 80-year whaling career before retiring in 1921. The Morgan has been at Mystic Seaport since 1941.

The Charles W. Morgan will soon head to New London where she will be prepared for her ceremonial 38th voyage to ports along the New England coast in late May 2014.

More about the Charles W. Morgan and its history can be found at the Mystic Seaport website, HERE.