“Very Precious Cargo”: Coming to America on the SS United States
Millions of people immigrated to the United States during the 20th century. They came seeking new opportunities and a chance at their own version of the American Dream. After World War II, as Europe recovered slowly after years of terrible conflict, many chose to leave their homelands and start a new life in the United States. The SS United States carried many of these immigrants across the Atlantic Ocean to their new homes in America.
Peter Paul came to the United States in 1955 from Germany. Peter’s new stepfather brought them back to the United States, where they started a new life together. The SS United States brought them across the Atlantic to New York City. Their story is similar to thousands of other immigrants who chose to come to America. By saving the SS United States, we save an essential piece of American history.
Photo courtesy of Henry Brunjes
