Schooner Western Union

As of late 2019, the Schooner Western Union has been dry-docked at Robbie's Marina on Stock Island for extensive restoration. While its previous berth was at the Key West Bight, visitors should be aware that it is currently without its masts, spars, and railings. Direct visitor activities like sailing are temporarily on hold, but you may be able to view the vessel from a distance at its restoration site.

The Schooner Western Union is historically significant as the last surviving authentic working tall ship built in Florida, launched in 1939. It originally served as a "cable tender," laying and maintaining over 30,000 miles of undersea telegraph cables connecting Florida with Caribbean islands. It is also recognized on the US National Register of Historic Places and is the official flagship for both the State of Florida and the city of Key West.

During World War II, the Schooner Western Union played a crucial role as part of a picket fleet, helping to protect against Nazi U-boat threats in the waters around Key West. This highlights its versatility and importance beyond its primary function as a cable-laying vessel.

Yes, the Schooner Western Union is considered family-friendly due to its rich history and educational value. While it is currently undergoing restoration, once it returns to service, it is expected to offer educational and scenic voyages that provide a unique and engaging experience for all ages to learn about maritime heritage.

Currently, as the schooner is dry-docked for restoration, a visit would primarily involve viewing it from a distance, which might take a short amount of time. Once fully restored and operational, typical sailing tours or onboard visits could range from a few hours to a half-day, offering a more immersive experience.

Yes, once the extensive restoration is complete, the Schooner Western Union is expected to resume offering educational and scenic voyages. These tours will provide an excellent opportunity for history buffs to learn about its past as a cable tender, its role in communication, and its cinematic appearance in the film Amistad, directly from the vessel itself.

The Schooner Western Union is a magnificent vessel with a sparred length of 130 feet and a length on deck of 92 feet. It has a beam of 23 feet 6 inches and a draft of 8 feet, with a sail area of 4800 square feet. Its frame was constructed from robust Cayman mahogany, and its planking from Longleaf yellow pine, showcasing traditional shipbuilding techniques.

Beyond its primary role as a cable tender, the Schooner Western Union was converted into a passenger vessel in 1974. It also gained cinematic fame, playing the role of La Amistad in Steven Spielberg's 1997 film Amistad, further cementing its place in cultural history.

Key West is rich in maritime history and offers several other historical attractions. While the Schooner Western Union is unique as a tall ship, visitors can explore other sites like the Key West Lighthouse and Keeper's Quarters Museum, the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, or the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, which offer diverse historical insights into the area.

The Schooner Western Union Preservation Society & Maritime Museum (SWUPS) was instrumental in undertaking a significant restoration of the schooner in 2008. They continue to be involved in the ongoing efforts to restore the vessel, aiming for its eventual return to service as a working museum, allowing it to continue sailing with passengers and educating the public.

Currently, as the Schooner Western Union is dry-docked for restoration at Robbie's Marina on Stock Island, there is generally no admission fee to view it from a distance. However, once it is fully restored and operational, there will likely be a fee for sailing excursions or onboard tours, which will contribute to its ongoing maintenance and preservation.