The New Steel Navy

While doing some research for a story I'm working on, I came across this gem of a website, The New Steel Navy. It's a history of the United States Navy during the late 19th century. This was a period when the Navy was undergoing rapid modernization, playing catch-up to the European powers as we struggled to establish our own trading colonies in the Pacific and become players in the international game of imperialism. The way to do that was with lots of merchant ships -- and big flotillas of warships to protect them. A country without a strong navy was no country at all, the thinking went. Anybody who wanted to be somebody had to field a strong fleet to prove their worthiness. In a sense, these early armored cruisers were the nuclear weapons of their time; the iron-plated keys one used to open the door to the Big Boys Club.

The website is a treasure trove of information about the period, delivering the kind of detailed data which historians adore, but perhaps the best part is the photos. There are many well-preserved shots, giving us precious glimpses into a unique way of life that is forever gone. Here are just a few examples of what you can find on the site. (Click on any of the images to expand them to much higher resolutions; the details are captivating.)



This a shot of the captain's cabin aboard the USS Olympia, Commodore Dewey's flagship during the Spanish-American War and hero of the Battle of Manila Bay. It's likely Dewey spent quite a bit of time here with his flag captain. On the left, you can see an elaborate silver service and fully-stocked bar, no doubt manned by a Japanese steward. They were favored as loyal servants by naval officers of the period.





Sailors aboard the protected cruiser USS Atlanta practice swordsmanship, still considered a necessary skill in the late 19th century. In the background you can see their instructor, a Marine NCO, keeping a sharp eye on the "squiddies" as they wave their sticks about.





Sailors on the berthing deck aboard the armored cruiser USS Brooklyn. It's pretty easy to figure out which of them worked in the coal bunkers...

If the subject matter is of interest, I strongly encourage you to spend some time browsing the site. It's the best collection of information I've ever encountered about this important but often neglected aspect of American history.