Accomac

Built as the Virginia Lee in 1928 at Quincy, Massachusetts, the ship provided convoy duty and hauled strategic war materials during World War II. After the war and several owners later, it began operating as a ferryboat between Boston, Plymouth, and Provincetown. While transiting to Houston, Texas, the ship was damaged in a storm off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. Once again, it was sold and overhauled, this time to make it capable of hauling 70 cars and 1,200 passengers. A fire in 1964, took the ship permanently out of commission, and around 1973 it was brought to Mallows Bay and abandoned.

Starboard bow view of Virginia Lee (later Accomac) coming into a harbor, date and location unknown. (Source: The Mariners' Museum and Park, Newport News, Virginia).

Crowded deck view of Holiday, looking aft filled with passengers, dated September 3, 1949. (Source: The Mariners' Museum and Park, Newport News, Virginia).

Interior view of Accomac, date and location unknown. (Source: The Mariners' Museum and Park, Newport News, Virginia).

View of Virginia Lee in 1942, having undergone structural updates, passing through Cape Cod Canal on its way to transatlantic convoy duty for the Navy during World War II. (Source: The Mariners' Museum and Park, Newport News, Virginia).

Starboard side view of Accomac, date and location unknown. (Source: The Mariners' Museum and Park, Newport News, Virginia).

Close up of Accomac, as part of a larger image mosaic that utilized drones. (Source: Duke University/NOAA).

Getting There:

Mallows Bay Park

1440 Wilson Landing Road Nanjemoy, MD 20662
(301) 932-3470
Get Directions

AMENITIES:
Include a boat ramp, soft launch, portable toilets, parking, walking trail, interpretive signs, and picnic area.

HOURS:
The park is open daily from 5:30 am to sunset.

Accomac Images

Getting There:

Mallows Bay Park