Rebuilding History: The Governor Stone’s Revival And The Loss Of The Falls Of Clyde

PANAMA CITY, FL – A living piece of maritime history is rising once again. The Governor Stone, a 145-year-old National Historic Landmark schooner, is being carefully rebuilt after suffering hurricane damage that nearly ended her sailing days. Volunteers, historians, and shipwrights are working together to restore this rare Gulf Coast vessel - one of the last of her kind still afloat - so she can return to her mission of education, tourism, and community sailing. Each plank replaced and sail refitted represents more than craftsmanship; it’s a testament to resilience - both of the vessel and of the people determined to keep her story alive.

The rebuilding process is already well underway. Phase 1 has been completed, with all decking and planking removed and most lofting completed.  Lofting is a traditional process of laying out lines and measurements to create full-scale templates for building molds and cutting out parts.  Additionally, a full cradle is now in place safely holding the vessel structure from above.  This will allow the broken keel to be removed and replaced without the frames and stringers shifting out of alignment.  The schooner is now ready for Phase 2, which involves removing the original 145-year-old keel - damaged with a three-foot horizontal split - and installing a new one. This phase will also include replacing the planks and decking with locally sourced juniper, cypress, and oak. Phase 3 will see the installation of new masts, rigging, and sails, culminating in sea trials and a ceremonial rechristening, bringing the Governor Stone fully back to life.

In sharp contrast stands the fate of another historic tall ship, the Falls of Clyde, once a proud four-masted iron schooner berthed in Honolulu. Despite years of advocacy and preservation efforts, the Falls of Clyde was ultimately scuttled - intentionally sunk - after decades of neglect and funding shortfalls. Where the Governor Stone finds new life through local passion and hands-on restoration, the Falls of Clyde became a cautionary tale of what can happen when heritage vessels lose their community champions. There are some heart-breaking images of the ship being scuttled on the internet if you wish to read more about this steel hull, 4 mast cargo ship.

To ensure that the Governor Stone never shares the same fate, immediate financial support is essential. The Friends of the Governor Stone (FOGS) are working alongside FEMA and the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) to fund her reconstruction. Thanks to this partnership, every $1 invested locally is matched by approximately $3 in federal support - an extraordinary opportunity that transforms a $300,000 to $400,000 community contribution into a $1.5 million restored, seaworthy schooner. FEMA will reimburse 75% of the cost of accomplished work, but this offer will not last indefinitely. The window to act is now. If we want to see the Governor Stone sail again rather than be broken apart, we must seize this moment of shared investment. 

Beyond her historic significance, the Governor Stone is poised to become a vibrant centerpiece of Gulf Coast tourism and education. Once restored, she will once again welcome visitors, students, and sailors aboard - a floating museum and classroom that embodies the region’s maritime spirit. Few communities can boast a living National Historic Landmark, and even fewer can claim one that still sails. For the cost of preserving her today, the Panhandle stands to gain a priceless cultural treasure and a dynamic draw for tourism in the years to come.

The two ships, though oceans apart, share a common legacy: they carried commerce, culture, and connection across the waters. Yet their divergent fates highlight a powerful truth - preserving maritime history requires more than nostalgia; it demands action, investment, and unwavering stewardship. The Governor Stone’s revival reminds us that with timely support and community commitment, even the oldest vessels can continue to sail into the future.

To learn more or to contribute to the Governor Stone restoration, visit www.GovernorStone.org or contact the Friends of the Governor Stone at info@governorstone.org. Individual and  corporate sponsorships are welcome and deeply appreciated - together, we can keep this proud schooner sailing for generations to come.