Virginia V

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The steamer Virginia V (the “V” is the Roman numeral “5”) is one of two surviving members of the American "mosquito fleet" – the large, unlicensed steamers that worked the inland waters of the United States. (The other vessel is Carlisle II.) The mosquito fleet was vital to the early economic development of Puget Sound: Dozens of similar steamers carried passengers and cargo among Puget Sound communities in the latter part of the 19th century and the early 20th century.

The fifth Puget Sound vessel of her type to carry the name "Virginia," Virginia V was built in 1922 for the West Pass Transportation Company, and it has undergone extensive restoration to its hull, superstructure, and steam engine. Restoration is continuing. The vessel is currently operated by the not-for-profit Virginia V Foundation as an educational and excursion vessel in Seattle. It is a National Historic Landmark and a city landmark.