Mississippi Maritime Museum

05/29/2026

04/25/2026

04/15/2026

⛵ Did You Know? The Governor Stone Served in Wartime. ⛵

The Governor Stone’s story isn’t just one of Gulf Coast commerce and coastal heritage — she also answered the call during World War II.

In 1942, the U.S. War Commission purchased the Governor Stone for just $1.00, and she was placed into service as a Navy training vessel during the war. 

Think about that for a moment: a schooner built in 1877 was still so valuable, so dependable, and so well-built that she was chosen to help train sailors during one of the most important moments in modern history.

From cargo freighter…
to oyster buy boat…
to rum runner…
to Navy training vessel.

Few ships can say they have lived as many lives as the Governor Stone.

This remarkable chapter reminds us that preserving her today means preserving a vessel that not only shaped Gulf Coast history, but also played a role in our nation’s wartime story. 

⚓ Keep History Afloat
⚓ Never Give Up the Ship

04/12/2026