The World's Most Expensive Forgotten Edifices

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5. Spirit of Sacramento, Sacramento, California

Location: California's Sacramento
Year Established: 1942
Cost: In 2016, the cleanup cost amounted to $1.6 million.
Originally known as Putah, the Spirit of Sacramento is a three-story riverboat that was initially utilized as a snag boat for the Army Corps of Engineers. The boat gained fame when it was purchased by actor John Wayne, who renamed it after his 1955 movie Blood Alley, which starred Lauren Bacall. Over the years, the riverboat changed hands multiple times until it suffered a catastrophic fire in the 1990s.
In conclusion, the Spirit of Sacramento represents a unique piece of history, reflecting both its storied past and the legacy of Hollywood, while also highlighting the challenges faced by historical vessels in preserving their heritage.

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Spirit of Sacramento, Sacramento, California

At the time of the fire, the Spirit of Sacramento was offering dinner rides up the river, but the blaze devastated the vessel. Although it was repaired and sold, it never regained its former glory. Unfortunately, the city faced significant challenges when the boat fell victim to vandalism, causing it to partially sink. To prevent further issues, the city had to spend over $1.6 million on cleanup efforts, ensuring that the Spirit would not break loose and pose a threat to anything in its path.

In conclusion, the story of the Spirit of Sacramento underscores the importance of preserving historical vessels and the community's responsibility in managing such iconic landmarks to prevent environmental hazards.

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