Historic sailing ship built in the US
The Thomas W. Lawson was the largest sailing ship ever constructed in the United States, measuring 145 meters in length with seven masts and 25 sails. It was launched on July 10, 1902, and had a gross tonnage of 5,218 tons, capable of carrying up to 11,000 tons of cargo.Advanced technology for its time
Despite its massive size, the Thomas W. Lawson required only 18 sailors to operate due to its advanced steam and electrical systems. These included a steam engine for steering, steam winches, an electrical system, and an internal telephone network, which made it more efficient than many contemporary ships.Limited port access due to design
The ship's draft of 9 meters—meaning the depth of water it needed to float—limited its access to most ports. It could only dock at Newport News, Virginia, due to the shallow waters required for its operation.Converted to an oil tanker
In 1906, the Thomas W. Lawson was converted into an oil tanker, capable of carrying 60,000 barrels of oil. At the time, this made it one of the largest oil tankers in the world, marking a significant shift in its purpose and function.First transatlantic voyage as a tanker
On November 19, 1907, the Thomas W. Lawson departed from the Marcus Hook refinery near Philadelphia, carrying 58,000 barrels of oil on its first transatlantic crossing as an oil tanker. The journey was beset by harsh weather conditions that damaged the ship’s lifeboats and rigging.Tragic end in a storm
On December 13, 1907, the vessel entered the English Channel, where Captain George Washington Dow made a fateful decision to refuse assistance from two ships that offered help. The storm intensified, with winds reaching 145 kilometers per hour, breaking the ship’s anchor chain. The ship crashed against the rocky shore near Annet and capsized, resulting in the deaths of 16 crew members.
