Sun Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company
Chester, Delaware County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
During WWII, Sun was the largest single shipyard in the world, with over 35,000 employees. It introduced the all-welded ship, which significantly increased ship production, and the T-2 oil tanker, which became the standard at all US shipyards. Sun built over 250 WWII tankers, 40% of those built in the world, and repaired over 1500 war-damaged ships. Established by the Pew family, it was located at this site from 1916 to 1982.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Founded by the Pew family in 1916 along the Delaware River, Sun Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company grew during World War II into the largest single shipyard on earth, employing more than 35,000 workers. Sun pioneered the all-welded ship and the T-2 oil tanker that became the standard across American yards, building over 250 wartime tankers—roughly 40 percent of the world's total—and repairing more than 1,500 damaged vessels. The yard operated on this Chester waterfront until 1982.
Why it matters
Sun Ship embodied the American 'Arsenal of Democracy,' where industrial muscle and innovations like welded construction helped supply the fuel and tonnage that won the Second World War.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Bridgette Mayer12.3 mi away · 709 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Hill-Physick House12.3 mi away · 321 South 4th Street
- Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial12.4 mi away
- Congress Hall12.4 mi away · Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Hall12.4 mi away · 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Philosophical Hall12.4 mi away · PA
Attractions
- Commandant's Quarters9.6 mi away
- American Bandstand10.2 mi away
- Philadelphia Zoo11.5 mi away
- Italian market11.7 mi away · Christian Street
- One Liberty Observation Deck11.8 mi away
- Pennsylvania Railroad, Connecting Railway Bridge11.8 mi away
Food & drink
- Talula's Garden12.2 mi away · 210 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Talula's Daily12.2 mi away · 208 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Fat Salmon12.2 mi away · 719 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Maya's Pizza & Grill12.3 mi away · 716 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Cafe Walnut12.3 mi away · 703 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Munchie’s Cafe12.3 mi away · 728 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center City11.8 mi away · 237 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Cambria Hotel Philadelphia Downtown - Center City11.8 mi away · 219 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Fairfield Inn & Suites11.8 mi away · 261 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Alexander Inn11.8 mi away · 301 301 South 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, Philadelphia, PA
- Holiday Inn Express11.9 mi away · 1305-11 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Residence Inn Philadelphia Center City12.0 mi away · 1 East Penn Square, Philadelphia, PA
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Related people
- · Pew family
Themes & tags
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