Top 5 Most Historic Ships Ever Built

This battleship played a pivotal role in World War II and the Vietnam War, serving as the site of Japan's surrender on September 2, 1945. The USS Missouri was one of only four American battleships to survive both World Wars, with a total of eight decks, ten 16-inch guns, and a length of 776 feet (236 meters). The ship has been decommissioned six times and received numerous awards for its service, including the Navy Unit Commendation. Originally named the "Missouri River", it was renamed to honor the state's contributions to the war effort.

This English ship was commissioned in 1606 for a voyage to the New World that would change American history forever. With a crew of around 102 passengers and 30 sailors, the Mayflower set sail from Plymouth, England, and navigated through treacherous waters to establish the second successful European settlement at Cape Cod Bay. The ship's logbook has provided valuable historical insights into the early lives of the Pilgrims, who endured harsh winters and disease before finding a new home in America. Only 53 passengers survived the first winter.

This American frigate is often referred to as the "Old Ironsides" due to its long history of service and endurance. The USS Constitution was built between 1794 and 1801, during the Quasi-War with France, and served in numerous battles against British warships. With a hull length of 227 feet (69 meters), it features three decks and 42 guns, making it one of the largest ships in the US Navy at that time. The ship was raised from the seafloor in 1975 for a major restoration project.

This English warship was built around 1510 by Thomas Seymour, Duke of Cleves, and was commissioned to lead an expedition against France. The Mary Rose sank on July 19, 1545, during the Battle of Solent, with over 500 men lost at sea. After being raised from the seafloor in 1982, the ship has undergone extensive restoration work and is now preserved in a seawater environment to help learn more about life on board medieval warships. Excavation revealed an impressive variety of shipbuilding techniques, from wood joinery to metal tools.

This Spanish galleon was built between 1601 and 1602 for Francisco de Bustamante y Osorio, a wealthy merchant from the city of Seville. The Mayan Bajo played a pivotal role in the gold trade with Central America's indigenous peoples during the Aztec Empire's peak. Aboard this ship were over 1,300 tons of gold, along with a cargo of precious stones and textiles, which helped finance Spanish colonization efforts in North America. Discovered lost in the Rio Tocuyo near Bolivia in 2006, it has sparked renewed archaeological interest about pre-Columbian maritime trade networks.