The Star of India has a fascinating history spanning over 160 years, with a special connection to San Diego that began in the 20th century.
Origins and Early Career The ship was built in 1863 in Ramsey, Isle of Man, as the full-rigged ship Euterpe. Star of India (ship) – Wikipedia Originally named after the Greek goddess of music and poetry, she has circumnavigated the globe twenty-one times. Star of India: A life well lived >> Scuttlebutt Sailing News: Providing sailing news for sailors The vessel initially sailed routes from Great Britain to India and New Zealand, and was later converted to a barque and used as a salmon hauler on the Alaska to California route.
Journey to San Diego The ship came to San Diego in 1927 when the City of San Diego purchased her for the Zoological Society as part of an ongoing campaign to market itself as a major city. City of San DiegoSailing Scuttlebutt The plan was to use the ship as a centerpiece to connect the bay to Balboa Park. Inside the Icon: Star of India – San Diego Magazine However, the Great Depression and World War II delayed these ambitious plans.
World War II and Dormant Years During World War II, the Navy temporarily cut down the ship’s rigging, and she remained largely inactive for decades. Long-awaited historical renovations wouldn’t come until 1951. Inside the Icon: Star of India – San Diego Magazine
Restoration and Modern Era The Star of India was restored in the late 1950s and early 1960s under the supervision of the Maritime Museum Association of San Diego. Star of India, CA (U.S. National Park Service) Under new ownership of the Maritime Museum of San Diego, the Star took its first sail in 50 years in 1976 Inside the Icon: Star of India – San Diego Magazine as part of the United States’ Bicentennial celebration.
Current Status Today, the Star of India holds several remarkable distinctions: She is the oldest ship still sailing regularly and also the oldest iron-hulled merchant ship still afloat. Star of India (ship) – Wikipedia She houses exhibits for the Maritime Museum of San Diego, is kept fully seaworthy, and sails at least once a year. Star of India under Sail | City of San Diego Official Website The ship serves as the centerpiece of the Maritime Museum of San Diego, where visitors can explore her decks and learn about maritime history through guided tours and exhibits.
The Star of India represents a living piece of maritime history, continuing to sail San Diego’s waters nearly a century after first arriving in the city.
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