The SS United States has a historic legacy, but despite it being unable to be saved, it won’t be scrapped as it will become the world’s largest artificial reef, write George Petras and Jennifer Borresen for USA Today.

From 1952 to 1969, a number of celebrities sailed abroad the SS United States. However, since 1978, numerous attempts to return the ship to profitability have been unsuccessful.

Despite that, the liner still captivates the public as people have continued visiting Philadelphia to see it.

“She remains hugely fascinating to people from all over the world,” said Susan Gibbs, president of the SS United States Conservancy.

The SS United States will be departing to Mobile, Alabama over a two-week period.

Its final destination will be in the Gulf Coast waters off Okaloosa County.

In addition to becoming an artificial reef, Okaloosa County and the SS United States Conservancy will work together to build a companion museum and visitor center. It will be dedicated to the SS United States and its history.

Gibbs said the museum and reef will be paired and planned “as an exciting space that will tell the story of the ship and its moments in American history.”

Read more about how the SS United States will live on in USA Today.

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