The ship was launched on June 28, 1919, the same day Germany signed the Treaty of Versailles, officially ending World War I.

The wreck of the Selma has since been the object of failed plans to convert her for use as a fishing pier, pleasure resort, and an oyster farm.

Long a source of curiosity and local legend, she remains important to scientists who continue to study aspects of its concrete construction.

A. Pat Daniels (1917-2011), a Texas journalist, historian, and author, purchased the ship in 1990 from Novie Brown (Hargett) after discovering that she had been privately owned since 6 days after being scuttled.

Daniels and his friend Jim Saye held an annual party for the Selma for over 25 years on Galveston Island attended by hundreds of people.