Age of Sail Heritage Museum, Port Greville

Built in 1919 in Diligent River by C. Robinson this 4 masted schooner has a unique distinction as “The ship that wouldn’t stay down.” An intriguing tale. In 1921 the Cumberland Queen was carrying a cargo of salt around Cape Hatteras North Carolina. A storm was blowing in and the vessel began to list and take on water. The crew, realizing they were in trouble, hailed to shore for help and were rescued however the vessel sank. Insurance was paid out and the crew moved on. Fast forward about 1 year to a dory of men fishing off the cape. Suddenly beneath them the water starts to roil and beneath them rises the 4 masted Schooner, The Cumberland Queen! The men claimed salvage rights and the vessel was towed to Virginia for refurbishment and sailed for many more years. A beautiful painting by Robert Bourque of this vessel can also be seen at the museum.

Date: 1919

Reference: Salter Fonds  Age of Sail Museum and Archives 2010.11.16

For more information, please contact the Age of Sail Heritage Museum.