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Described in 1910 as “one of the greatest fighting machines ever devised by the brain of man,” the USS South Carolina (BB-26) was a mighty symbol of American naval innovation. Alongside her sister ship, the USS Michigan, she made history as one of the first all-big-gun battleships in the U.S. Navy—and the first dreadnought-class vessel in the fleet. Her design revolutionized battleship construction and set the standard for naval power in the early 20th century.
South Carolinians quickly embraced the ship as their own, forming a deep connection with its crew and legacy. Yet despite her trailblazing role, the South Carolina was soon outpaced by newer ships in a fast-moving naval arms race. Her once-promising career ended quietly in a Philadelphia scrapyard.
This event invites you to journey back to a time when battleships ruled the seas and uncover the remarkable, if bittersweet, story of the USS South Carolina—a vessel that once stood at the forefront of American maritime might.
About the Speaker:
Justin McIntyre is the Curator and Maritime Historian at the South Carolina Maritime Museum in Georgetown. His motto: “It doesn’t matter where you are or where you go, there’s always great history to be found!”
After serving eight years in the U.S. Air Force, Justin earned a B.S. in Archaeological Science with a minor in History from Penn State. He later received an M.A. in Public History from the University of South Carolina. Justin joined the South Carolina Maritime Museum in 2018 and considers it his “second home.” He is proud of all that the museum’s members have accomplished.
Over the years, his love for Georgetown has deepened—along with his pride in connecting with the community through the state’s rich maritime history and heritage. His interests include military history, genealogy, legends and folklore, and cocktail making.