Moosabee

Moosabee is a Ferris-type wooden cargo vessel built for the U.S. Emergency Fleet in a massive shipbuilding effort between 1917-1919 as part of America’s engagement in World War I. The vessel type was named after the design by Theodore E. Ferris, a senior architect for the United States Shipping Board. Ferris’s idea was to standardize these emergency ships with similar designs that could be built at yards all across the United States.

Moosabee is now part of a group of three shipwrecks called “The Three Sisters,” within Mallows Bay. “The Three Sisters” include the sites of Moosabee, Dertona, and an unidentified wreck. The bow of Moosabee is in an excellent state of preservation, and lies only 3 feet from the bluff shoreline.

Photograph of the Moosabee on the water after being launched. July 13, 1918. (Source: Washington State Archives).

Photograph of the inside of Moosabee, hull number 23 under construction. March 31, 1918. (Source: Washington State Archives).

Photograph of dignitary Miss Elizabeth Boschke, daughter of George W. Boschke of the Oregon Rail and Navigation Company, holding flowers and standing near the bow of Moosabee, hull number 23. July 13, 1918. (Source: Washington State Archives).

Photograph of the inside of Moosabee, September 30, 1917. (Source: Washington State Archives).

Photograph of the bow of Moosabee, hull number 23, under construction. June 30, 1918. (Source: Washington State Archives).

Screenshot of drone footage of Moosabee in Mallows Bay, Maryland. (Photo: Duke University/NOAA).

Moosabee is positioned to the left and perpendicular to the shore. (Photo: Kevin Olson)

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.

Moosabee Images

Getting There:

Mallows Bay Park