It was the beginning of the 20th century, a time when technological marvels were being created at a fantastic rate. The world economy was booming and many were prosperous. With the invention of faster, more comfortable ocean going vessels, it was now possible to cross the Atlantic in a relatively short time. Ships such as Cunard's Lusitania were setting new records in speed and White Star Lines, in direct competition with Cunard, had to do something in response.

And so the Titanic was born. Constructed by the Harland & Wolff shipping company, she was touted as being the safest, most luxurious ship ever created, as well as being the largest vessel of her time. Her interiors were luxurious and comparable to many of the finest hotels found in Europe. She had two elevators, a swimming pool, turkish bath, barber shop, gymnasium, and many other luxuries that were unheard of on a ship. She was truly a 'floating palace' as many of the passengers remarked.

Using an ingenious system of sixteen water-tight compartments in her hull and more lifeboats than current laws required, she was indeed a marvel to behold. In fact, a journalist even remarked that 'Not even God himself could sink this ship.'

On April 4th, 1912, with great fanfare and over 2000 people aboard her, the Titanic left dock on her maiden voyage and sailed into history. She would not be seen again for more than 70 years.

Last picture ever taken of the Titanic

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Copyright ©1996 Gary Arnold