SS United States was a merchant steamship launched in 1864 and lost off Cape Romain, South Carolina, in 1881.

[2] The vessel was named for her country and sported the United States' national symbol, an American eagle, as her figurehead.

[4] United States, official number 25082, signal letters HSCM, home ported at Boston,[5] was built in 1864 at the S. Gildersleeve & Son shipyard in Portland, Connecticut.

[6] Shortly after her launch, her captain was shown as Gurdon Gates and her owners as Wakemann, Dimon & Company and S. Gildersleeve & Sons.

The steamship left Boston on Thursday last, and proceeded on her voyage without mishap until Sunday night, when she met with a hazy atmosphere and with strong southwest winds.

While the ship was running on her course she suddenly went ashore in about twelve feet of water in the vicinity of Cape Romain, a little to the northward and about half-way between Georgetown and this port.

The United States remained easy in her position until Monday night, when the sea increased and the vessel sprang a leak.

The first officer, immediately upon his arrival, engaged the tugs Wade Hampton and Republic, which left the city tonight for the scene of the mishap.

"[8]Despite the hopes expressed above, United States was not able to be pulled off and the next day the Charleston News and Courier carried the following article titled "The Stranded Steamship.

": The steamers Planter and Louisa, which arrived here from Georgetown at a late hour on Tuesday night, brought a portion of the cargo of the steamship United States, which has been previously reported ashore off Cape Romain.

This freight, consisting of articles of general merchandise, constituted the "between decks" cargo, and was saved in good condition and landed at Accommodation wharf.

General cargo was packaged and crated items like jewelry, bottled medicines, wine, liquor, china, guns, mantle clocks, furniture, machinery, footwear, garments, and other merchandise.