Mystic in Stonington in Southeastern Region, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)
Atlas
Built: 1941
| | Oakland, CA, by the Atlas Engine Company | |
This large, green diesel marine engine weighs 7.5 tons and was appropriately named after the Greek god who was strong enough to carry the world on his back. It is a direct drive engine with planetary reversing gear, which means that it is able to reverse the load without changing the direction of rotation of the engine. This type of diesel engine uses compressed air to start. The air enters the cylinders, turning the shaft, and after several rotations, diesel fuel is injected into the cylinders and the engine starts running.
This Atlas was discovered in a field and restored before being acquired by the Independence Seaport Museum in Philadelphia, PA. It was later transferred to Mystic Seaport Museum, where it was again restored by the shipyard engine team.
It is run several times a year for special events, especially the Marine Engine Show traditionally held the third weekend in August here at Mystic Seaport Museum.
Erected by Mystic Seaport Museum. (Marker Number 2012.79.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels.
Location. 41° 21.565′ N, 71° 57.898′ W. Marker is in Stonington in Southeastern Region
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Regionally, this marker is on the Connecticut Shoreline, in Greater New London, in Mystic and the Eastern Shore, and in the Thames River Valley. It is also in the American Northeast and in New England. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New London County and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Wolverine Semi-Diesel Engine (a few steps from this marker); Compound Steam Engine (a few steps from this marker); Shipsaw (a few steps from this marker); Sawmill (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Live Oak Log (within shouting distance of this marker); Fish Flake (within shouting distance of this marker); Mast of the Cutter Nebula (within shouting distance of this marker); "Hobey's Dock" (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Stonington.
Other markers no longer nearby. Wichmann Semi-Diesel Engine (was a few steps from this marker but has been permanently removed); Lathrop D-90 Diesel Engine (was a few steps from this marker but has been permanently removed); a different marker also named Compound Steam Engine (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Live Oak Log (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Credits. This page was last revised on May 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 29, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 143 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 29, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
