The Potomac River is declared a National Marine Sanctuary at Mallows Bay. A “Ghost Fleet” of 230 WWI ships along with other vessels lies in the small bay on the Potomac River south of Washington DC. It is the largest shipwreck fleet in the western hemisphere.
The emergency “Ghost Fleet” is built of wood (for lack of steel) to carry supplies to Europe during WWI. By the end of the war the vessels are obsolete and sold to a salvage company. When the company goes bankrupt, it tows the vessels to Mallows Bay and burns them.
Today, the sunken wrecks have been become a park and wildlife sanctuary. It is a popular destination for canoeing and kayaking by outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
