The story of the 19th century sailing schooner Wawona is a tale of maritime success and failure. An early catalyst in Seattle historic preservation and the creation of Northwest Seaport, the Wawona has been a symbol of Northwest seagoing heritage and our aspirations to honor and save the region's great vessels. Since a half century ago, preservationists have rallied around the Wawona to keep her afloat and raise funds to restore her.

It became evident last year, however, that the Wawona was doomed. Age and rot had taken their toll and the price tag for restoration was too high. Even though she is on the National Register, no deep-pocketed patron could be found to fix her up and the city regarded her a liability. Instead of making the schooner a prominent part of the new South Lake Union park, it was decided that she would be studied and documented by scholars; some salvageable parts would be kept for possible museum or exhibit display, and the rest junked.

That time has come. The Wawona will be moved to Lake Union Dry Dock on March 2 and dismantled. An ignominious end for the ship so many loved and tried to save, but not unusual for old vessels whose carcasses have often wound up decaying on beaches and tide flats. She'll rejoin that great Pacific fleet in the hereafter, leaving behind a fascinating history and a richer maritime preservation movement, but also the sense that Seattle let her down.