CLEARWATER (Sloop)
Why it's listed
Clearwater is a 70-foot wooden sloop built as a full-scale replica of a mid-nineteenth century Hudson River sloop. Begun in 1968 and launched in Maine in 1969, she has a plank-on-frame hull, a single mast with topmast, a gaff mainsail and a Canada goose figurehead. Designed by naval architect Cyrus Hamlin and built at the Harvey Gamage shipyard, she carries a modern diesel engine and safety features but otherwise closely follows the appearance and construction of the historic sloops. Her importance lies in the environmental movement. Folk singer Pete Seeger proposed building a boat to save the Hudson River, and the sloop became a symbol of efforts to clean up polluted American rivers. Through concerts, voyages and educational work, she drew national attention to river pollution. The nomination credits a campaign led by the Clearwater with a direct role in passage of the Clean Water Act of 1972. She remains in use as a floating classroom.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues that the sloop is significant under Criterion A, with Criteria Consideration G for properties less than 50 years old, for her role in the American environmental movement. As a symbol of the Clearwater organization led by Pete Seeger, she raised public awareness of river pollution and inspired citizen cleanup efforts. The nomination credits a campaign led by the Clearwater with a direct role in passage of the Clean Water Act of 1972.
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 04000376, listed May 4, 2004. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | Main St., on Hudson R, Poughkeepsie |
|---|---|
| County | Dutchess County |
| Listed | May 4, 2004 |
| Reference number | 04000376 |
| Resource type | Structure |
| Period of significance | 1968-1972 |
| Architect / builder | Cyrus Hamlin, naval architect; Harvey Gamage shipyard, South Bristol, ME |
| Architectural style | Other: Hudson River Sloop |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Other, Education, Maritime History |
| Level of significance | National |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Current functions are listed as transportation (ship) and education (outdoor classroom). The sloop is docked for the winter at Saugerties, New York. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Coordinates | 41.70475, -73.94111 (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 04000376.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikidata Q119520035
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.