Monday, June 21, 2010

The Seneca Shipyard During World War II

Little Seneca, Illinois, was nowhere near the fighting front, but even then, participated in a big way sending troops and their shipyard was kept busy constructing LSTs (Landing Ship Tanks). After completion, these ships would go down the Illinois River to the Mississippi River and on out to the Gulf of Mexico.

From 1942 to 1945, the Seneca Shipyard built 157 LSTs. The first, the LST-197, was finished Dec. 13, 1942. Every single LST was delivered on schedule, something the shipyard was quite proud of. LST-1152 was the last one, delivered June 18, 1945.

Thirty-nine gallons of champagne was used for christening.

There are still people living in Marseilles and Seneca who worked at the ship yard.

The original shipyard is located on Shipyard Road by the Illinois River. Just turn at the LST Park.

The World War II Homefront. --DaCoot

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