Built in Germany, the Vaterland,
(Fatherland), hull No. 212, was launched 3 April, 1913, before World War 1,
1914 - 1918. She was the largest transatlantic steamship, sailing at this
time, 950 feet. 50 feet longer then the H.M.S. Titanic. On her maiden trip
to New York harbor the war had started in Europe, 5 April 1917. She was interned
by the U. S. Government while in port. They converted the Vaterland into a
troop carrier and renamed her S. S. Leviathan. She started her
war time duties on 15 January 1918 .
After the war ended the government
converted her back to a transatlantic luxury liner. On the 4th July 1923,
the U. S. Government gave her to a newly formed cruse line, The United States
Line.
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