USS LIONFISH (SS0298) National Historic Landmark
Also known as: See Also:USS LIONFISH
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Why it's listed
Lionfish is a World War II submarine of the Balao class, semi-permanently moored in Battleship Cove on the Taunton River in Fall River, Massachusetts. It measures 311 feet long and 27 feet wide, with a 16-foot-diameter pressure hull and a teakwood deck. Four diesel-electric engines delivered 6,500 horsepower, and the boat ran submerged on batteries. It was launched in Philadelphia in November 1943, fitted out at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, and commissioned in November 1944. In 1945 it joined the Pacific Fleet, made two war patrols near Japanese waters, and is credited with sinking an I-class submarine and a 100-ton schooner. Later service included reserve status, recommissioning in 1951, Atlantic and Mediterranean operations, and training duty from 1959 to 1972, when it moved to Battleship Cove. Most wartime submarines were heavily rebuilt after the war, but Lionfish kept its original design and fittings. It was listed as an exception to the age rule because it is nearly intact and serves as an educational tool.
Significance in brief: The nomination calls Lionfish a significant, almost intact example of the standard fleet submarine that played an important part in World War II. It avoided the postwar 'guppying' alterations and retains its original design and fittings. Because it does not meet the age criteria, it was nominated as an exception on the grounds that it is virtually intact and serves as an educational tool.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 76002270, listed September 30, 1976. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | Battleship Cove, Fall River |
|---|---|
| County | Bristol County |
| Listed | September 30, 1976 |
| Reference number | 76002270 |
| Resource type | Structure |
| Period of significance | 1943 |
| Areas of significance | Military |
| Level of significance | National |
| National Historic Landmark | Yes, designated January 14, 1986 |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Semi-permanently moored at Battleship Cove and used as a museum and educational resource; condition listed as good. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Coordinates | 41.70608, -71.16292 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 76002270.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q3544085
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.