USS COD (submarine)
Also known as: Ss-224
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Why it's listed
USS Cod is a World War II fleet submarine of the Gato class, built by the Electric Boat Company in Groton, Connecticut, and commissioned in June 1943. She measures 312 feet long, has a teakwood deck, and runs on a diesel-electric system with batteries for underwater travel. Today she is moored on Lake Erie in Cleveland beside the Naval Reserve Center and serves as a museum. Her wartime record includes seven war patrols, eight Japanese ships sunk totaling 26,985 tons, and seven battle stars. She is the lowest-numbered World War II submarine still preserved. Unlike other submarine memorials, she has not been modified for civilian visitors, who must climb down a hatch much as wartime crews did. Apart from her missing deck guns, she retains her wartime integrity. She was recognized as an example of the American submarine force that helped cut off Japan's oil, iron ore, food and other supplies.
Significance in brief: The submarine represents the U.S. submarine forces that fought Japan in World War II, helping blockade Japan of oil and raw materials. She made 7 war patrols, sank 8 Japanese ships totaling 26,985 tons, and earned 7 battle stars. She is the lowest-numbered World War II submarine preserved today and the only one not altered for civilian visitor access.
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 86000088, listed January 14, 1986. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | N. Marginal Dr., Cleveland |
|---|---|
| County | Cuyahoga County |
| Listed | January 14, 1986 |
| Reference number | 86000088 |
| Resource type | Structure |
| Period of significance | 1943-1945 |
| Architect / builder | Electric Boat Company |
| Areas of significance | Military |
| Level of significance | National |
| National Historic Landmark | Yes, designated January 14, 1986 |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Described as in good condition and moored as a museum; missing her submarine deck armament but otherwise retaining World War II integrity. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Coordinates | 41.51006, -81.69163 (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 86000088.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q2078835
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.