LCT 590 (Landing Craft Tank 590) was built in 1943 by Pidgeon-Thomas Iron Co. in Memphis, Tennessee for the Department of Defense. The vessel was built to carry Sherman tanks as landing craft. On June 6th 1944, LCT 590 participated in beach operations at Omaha Beach, Normandy, France. As one can imagine on that heroic date, the LCT 590 sustained heavy damage and casualties as it delivered its tanks and troops. The vessel's Ensign was able to save the LCT 590 by securing repairs offshore of Normandy with the USS Arikara. At some point after the invasion, the Ensign of LCT 590 was awarded the Silver Star and the Navy Cross for his actions in saving the vessel that fateful day.
In 1950, the State of North Carolina purchased LCT 590 from a government surplus sale. Registered in Elizabeth City, LCT 590 was renamed as Ferry Governor Scott, named after William Kerr Scott, Governor of North Carolina (1949-1953) at the time. It was put into service as a car and equipment ferry that ran from Manteo to Manns Harbor until 1962.
By the end of 1962, the Governor Scott had been removed from ferry service and was towed to the tip of Brandt Island Shoals and released. It is there that the Governor Scott sank and met its final fate. Claimed by the rough waters of Pamlico Sound and the aerial target practice from local military, a piece of D-Day and NC Ferry Service history is just laying off of Goose Creek Island.
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| LCT 590 before conversion to Ferry Governor Scott |
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| Old Ferry Dock in Manns Harbor |
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