The Maritime Heritage Center in Anacortes, WA is home to the W.T. Preston, the last sternwheeler to operate in Puget Sound and one of only two remaining snagboats in the contiguous United States. This historic steamboat played a crucial role in removing navigational hazards from the region's rivers and harbors, and now serves as a National Historic Landmark, offering visitors a glimpse into the maritime and riverine history of Puget Sound.
Constructed in 1929, the W.T. Preston operated along the Sound, from Blaine to Olympia and Shelton, retrieving thousands of snags, debris, and even a damaged airplane. As commercial navigation declined and recreational boating increased, the snagboat's responsibilities shifted, eventually leading to its retirement in 1981. Now preserved at the Maritime Heritage Center, the W.T. Preston stands as a testament to the rich maritime heritage of the region.
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