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Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
USS Potomac
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.

USS Potomac

Artifact IDMO 1942.250.1
Object Type Model
Maker (American, 1905 - 1972)
Maker
Dateca. 1940s
Mediumpaint on wood, string, metal, fabric
Dimensionsbox/case H 20 1/4 in x W 40 in x D 10 1/2 in (51.4 cm x 101.6 cm x 26.7 cm )
Physical DescriptionA model of the presidential yacht, USS POTOMAC, scale 3/16" to 1'. The wooden model of a two-masted steam ship with two smoke stacks has a gray, red, and black hull. An American flag flies at the stern, and numerous nautical flags fly from the masts. The model is fixed to a mahogany base (no bonnet). Mounted to the base is a brass plaque inscribed: U.S.S. POTOMAC / PRESIDENTIAL YACHT / PRESENTED TO / PRESIDENT F.D. ROOSEVELT / BY THE OFFICERS AND CREW. / MODEL BY / O.C. CHAPMAN, C.M.M. U.S.N. / D.L. FERNALD AND SHIP'S ENGINEERS / SCALE 3/16 =1 FOOT.
Historical NoteThis model of the USS POTOMAC, was built by O. C. Chapman, D. L. Fernald, and engineers from the ship. It was presented to President Roosevelt as a gift by the yacht's officers and crew. Originally a United States Coast Guard patrol ship, the POTOMAC served as the presidential yacht from 1936 until 1945. President Roosevelt spent many relaxing days aboard the ship as it cruised the Potomac River, the Chesapeake Bay, and other locations. After his death, the ship was decommissioned and returned to the Coast Guard. It was later sold and fell into disrepair. Eventually, a non-profit organization in Oakland, California acquired the ship. It is preserved there as a national historic landmark.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteDeposited at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum by Franklin D. Roosevelt on April 17, 1942. It was donated as a bequest of FDR to the Library in 1947.
Credit LineEstate of Franklin D. Roosevelt
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesShip Models (National Archives Identifier 782457)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedCopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
Not on view
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