Most People Don't Know The Full Story Behind New Jersey's Concrete Ship Off Cape May's Coast

New Jersey has a hidden history that few residents are aware of. Sure, we may know that the state has a pirating past, but how many of us are familiar with Captain Kidd’s ties to the state? We’ve all heard about Morristown’s major role in the Revolutionary War, but how many of us know that WWI ended near the Somerville Circle Shopping Center?

There’s a monument marking the spot that you may have passed many times. Another historic spot that you’ve likely seen juts out of the ocean, just off the shore of Cape May.

Flickr/Joe Campolo

You may notice a little something sticking out of the water.

Wikipedia/Luigi Novi

Upon closer inspection, you can see that this is no natural formation. Of course, you may already know that this mass in the middle of the ocean is the SS Atlantus. You may even know that the Atlantus was one of 12 concrete ships built just after World War I.

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Flickr/Boston Public Library

Concrete ships were experimental at the time and later deemed impractical due to weight. They were built to help compensate for a steel shortage, and the Atlantus was built specifically to transport American Troops back from Europe. She served her purpose and was retired in 1920.

Six years later, the Atlantus was bought to be used as part of a ferry dock. Necessary repairs were made and she was towed from Virginia up to Cape May. Mere months after her arrival, a storm hit and she broke free of her moorings.

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Wikipedia/Public Domain

The ship drifted 150 feet from the coast; efforts to retrieve it were unsuccessful. For years it drew crowds, and was even painted with advertisements. Now, much of the ship sits below the surface. The wreckage is divided into three parts, with only the stern visible most of the day. At low tide, visitors can see the bow.

Have you ever seen the wreckage of the SS Atlantus? Did you know what it was and the story behind it? Is there anything else you can add? What’s your favorite piece of New Jersey history? I’m partial to the Martian Landing and Cliffdale Manor Ruins.