The Leviathan: A Palatial Ocean Liner
To millions of Americans the name Leviathan indelibly associated with our efforts in the World War. Originally the Vaterland, a passenger vessel flying the German flag, it was interned at its pier in New York at the outbreak of the War. There it remained idle and neglected until our entry into the War at which time it was taken over by the Government and refitted to serve as a troop transport. As such it did famous service, ferrying tens of thousands of American doughboys to and from the European field of battle. the carrying capacity of this great vessel -- about 10, 000 -- was greater than that of any other transport. It also holds the record for number of men transported during the War period.
Following the War, the great ship was again fated to a period of several years' idleness. the severe strain to which it had been subjected as a troop transport together the insufficient care given it during its following years of idleness, resulted in tremendous damage to this huge liner. eight and one-half million dollars was spent n rebuilding, reconditioning and redecorating her. The engines were rebuilt, electrical equipment renewed, and the passenger space almost completely refurnished and greatly enriched and beautified, making once more a great sea-going palace, admittedly one of the world's finest sips. On July 4, 1923, the restored vessel sailed on her first voyage to Europe as an American passenger liner
The Leviathan has played a real part in American history and is closer to the hearts of the Americans than any other purely merchant ship that ever sailed the seas.