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Mahogany wood base, real brass pedestals and
personalized brass plate enhance this elegant historical model

Although not shown in this image,
draft markings are put on hull at bow, mid ships and stern

S.S. William A. Irvin - flagship of the US Steel Fleet - was built in the late 1930’s just as the shipping industry was coming out of a long recession and prior to the WWII shipbuilding frenzy. She was named after the company president at the time.

The William A. Irvin sailed without incident for forty years. On August 27, 1940 she set a record by unloading 13,856 tons of ore in just 2 hours and 55 minutes - an astonishing accomplishment for a boat using shore equipment only. And that record stands to this day.

Her successful forty years of service fulfilled the wishes of her namesake: "She will be a triumph of safety, comfort, and capacity."

At the end of 1978 shipping season, the Irvin was retired for economic reasons, specifically she was a slow boat with small holds and had no self-unloading capability.

The Irwin was saved from the scrapping torch only because of her status as a flagship. In  1986 she took on a new role as a tourist attraction for Duluth, Minnesota. Today she is berthed at a former WWII shipbuilding slip where she is visited by thousands every year. She become the proud figurehead of Duluth's waterfront and offers a glimpse into the world of the merchant mariner.