Historical Narrative

---

The product tanker Gettysburg was originally launched as the Esso Gettysburg at the Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company in Newport News, Virginia on October 11, 1956.  The vessel was one of three identical tankers built at Newport News for the Esso Shipping Company, a subsidiary of the Esso Oil Company, which in 1973 became Exxon. 

Esso Gettysburg was initially employed in transporting crude oil between the Gulf of Mexico and the U.S. East Coast.  The ship also delivered refined petroleum products from Gulf coast refineries to ports on the East Coast and delivered petroleum products between Aruba and Japan. 

On January 1, 1973, the Esso Gettysburg was renamed Exxon Gettysburg to reflect the company’s new name.  

After a 30-year career, the ship was retired and entered the Maritime Administration’s Suisun Bay Reserve Fleet on October 8, 1986.  MARAD changed the vessel's name to Gettysburg after acquiring title in 1987. 

On May 21, 2010, the vessel deparated Suisun Bay under a scrap services contract; dismantlement was complete on January 12, 2011.

The National Park Service completed a HAER Survey for this vessel.  The report, which contains a detailed history, can be found in the Documents section.

Vessel Name History

1957 - 1973: Esso Gettysburg
1973 - 1987: Exxon Gettysburg
1987 - 2011: Gettysburg

Vessel Name History

ESSO GETTYSBURG

GETTYSBURG