In 1964, Elvis donated President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s yacht, the USS Potomac, to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis. The yacht was presented to Danny Thomas, the hospital’s founder, in Long Beach, California on February 14.
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How did the donation happen?
- Elvis purchased the yacht for $55,000 in January 1964.
- Elvis intended to donate the yacht to the March of Dimes, but they declined.
- Elvis donated the yacht to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital as a publicity stunt.
- St. Jude sold the yacht for $75,000.
What is the USS Potomac’s status today?
The USS Potomac is now a National Historic Landmark in Oakland, California. It is docked at Jack London Square and is available for tours and cruises.
What was the USS Potomac’s history?
The USS Potomac was the presidential yacht of Franklin D. Roosevelt from 1936 until his death in 1945. It was also known as the “floating White House”.
