During World War I, the use of motor vehicles entered the battlefield. Various motors on land, in the sea, and above in the air required gasoline and other oil-related products. Tanker ships could transport the fuel across oceans for use, which is why the SS Palo Alto was created. The problem was that the U.S. didn’t have much steel because of the Great War. This led to the creation of concrete ships, including the SS Palo Alto ship. Despite being made too late for service in WWI, it would still find plenty of life through other uses. Suggested read: Hazardous and Toxic Materials PACT Act Expansion Starts March 5, 2024

The SS Palo Alto Launch Was Too Late for World War I

By the end of World War I, steel was hard to come by. This is what led to the SS Palo Alto being constructed out of concrete. In fact, the SS Palo Alto cement ship was a possibility because of new technology at the time. It should be no surprise that concrete, cement, and other similar materials aren’t exactly the best for buoyancy. Nevertheless, desperate times and scientific breakthroughs made many ships possible out of necessity as WWI settled down. Built in Oakland, California, as part of the World War II shipbuilding in the San Francisco Bay Area, the ship was launched on May 29, 1919, a little over six months after the end of WWI. Eventually, the SS Palo Alto inside was mothballed in Oakland before being purchased by the Seacliff Amusement Corporation who would have the vessel towed to Seacliff State Beach in Aptos, California.

Dodging the Horrors of War and Embracing Entertainment

A total of three concrete ships were created during the production run of the Palo Alto, but since the ship didn’t launch in time for service, a new use needed to be found. After being towed to Seacliff State Beach, the ship was used as part of an entertainment pleasure pier on Monterey Bay. However, damage to the ship would eventually lead to a reduced use as only a fishing pier. The 6,100 tons of concrete partially sunk, and the swimming pool, among other attractions, continued to take a hit. Long gone were the days of dancing in the SS Palo Alto ballroom. However, despite the SS Palo Alto concrete ship taking a continued beating, it continued to find use throughout its life. Even after sustaining much more damage that would render the pier useless. Related read: There’s a Concrete Fleet From WWII at Kiptopeke State Park

SS Palo Alto History Is Still Being Written

You may not be able to grab a treat from the ship’s cafe these days, but there are still many who have an interest in its history and usefulness. Even if all of the visitors aren’t humans. The Great Depression bankrupted the original company maintaining the ship, which suffered a midsection crack thanks to a winter storm. While the State of California bought the ship to use as a pier, problems remained. Anglers loved the spot but deterioration would close the pier many times throughout the years. Sadly, an oil leak also caused environmental harm in the area costing around $1.7 million to clean. Winter storms would continue and crack the ship into four pieces before one in 2023 finally also destroyed the pier that led visitors to the ship. Repairs were planned but the pier was completely removed. Its status is now unclear. When, and if, humans can grace the SS Palo Alto again remains to be seen; however, the ship acts as an artificial reef for sharks and other marine life who are enjoying a unique vessel. Read next: The USS Arizona Memorial Honors Pearl Harbor Heroes