Hendersonville and Sumner County are rich with historic sites, with some dating back to the founding of the United States. Every year, thousands of locals and tourists visit these landmarks to learn more about how our forefathers lived, worked and played. While each of these properties have stories to tell, it can sometimes be difficult to fully appreciate their significance since many of the key events occurred several centuries ago.
Recently, Hendersonville locals and area tourists had a rare opportunity to experience living history. From Sept. 23 through Sept. 29, the historic Landing Ship, Tank, LST-325, was docked at Sanders Ferry Park and Old Hickory Lake. For seven days, over 20,000 visitors took advantage of the opportunity to tour the floating museum, which saw action in World War II, including Omaha Beach. Most of the people who toured the ship were deeply moved by their experience, and they expressed deep feelings of gratitude to the veterans who had served on the ship, as well as those responsible for bringing LST-325 to Hendersonville.
"It is one thing to read about World War II in a history book, but it is something completely different to walk aboard a ship from that era and see firsthand what our servicemen experienced," said Hendersonville Parks and Recreation Director Andy Gilley. "The feelings and emotions as I walked onto that ship and thought about all of those who lost their lives fighting for the freedoms that we enjoy today is something that I’ll never forget. I am grateful to Hendersonville resident and former LST crew member John Tallent for helping us bring the ship to Sanders Ferry Park.”
Andy’s comments were echoed by Hendersonville Mayor Jamie Clary.
“This visit gave our community a rare connection to the service and sacrifices of the Greatest Generation,” said Jamie. “Having LST-325 docked here in Hendersonville created a meaningful opportunity to preserve and share those stories with the next generation."
"We were incredibly proud to host LST-325 at Sanders Ferry Park and to provide families, students, veterans and visitors from across the region with this unique opportunity."
Andy Gilley
LST-325
One of the most valuable vessel fleets deployed during World War II was the Landing Ship, Tank, or LST class. These 327-feet-long workhorses provided the backbone of military maritime transportation between 1941 through 1945. LST’s were designed for amphibious operations, and they reliably transported tanks, vehicles, heavy equipment and troops directly onto beachheads.
Out of the 1,051 LST ships constructed during the first three years of the war, only one remains operational today, LST-325. LST-325 was built in 1942 at the Philadelphia Navy Yard and went into service during 1943. During the war, the vessel saw extensive combat service in and around the North Africa theater, including participating in the historic D-Day landings at Omaha Beach in Normandy. By the time of its decommissioning in 1946, the historic ship had earned two World War II battle stars.
Today, LST-325 serves as a floating museum, providing thousands of visitors each year and opportunity to tour the vessel and learn about her history. Based in her home port of Evansville, Indiana, LST-325 occasionally travels across United States waterways to share her story, as she did in late September in Hendersonville.