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DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY -- NAVAL HISTORICAL CENTER
901 M STREET SE -- WASHINGTON NAVY YARD
WASHINGTON DC 20374-5060

Online Library of Selected Images:
-- U.S. NAVY SHIPS --

USS Olympia (C-6) -- Actions and Personnel

On 1 May 1898, USS Olympia, flagship of Commodore George Dewey, led the U.S. Asiatic squadron on a daring and spectacularly successful attack on Manila Bay. After the destruction of Spanish naval forces there, Olympia participated in the blockade of Manila city and attacks on its defenses.

This page features a few selected views of Olympia in action in 1898, pictures of officers and crewmen who served in her during that time, plus links to other images of the ship's activities and personnel at the time of the Manila campaign.

See the page USS Olympia (Cruiser # 6 ...) for overall views of this ship.

If higher resolution reproductions than these digital images are desired, see "How to Obtain Photographic Reproductions."

Click on the small photograph to prompt a larger view of the same image.


The pictures below show activities of USS Olympia just before and during the Spanish-American War.
For other views of Olympia in action, or relating to her actions during this time, see the pages:
Battle of Manila Bay, 1 May 1898--Introductory Page;
Battle of Manila Bay, 1 May 1898--Additional Views of the Battle; and
Activities around Manila after the Battle of Manila Bay.

Photo #: NH 84574

USS Olympia (C-6)


Dressed with flags and firing a salute at Hong Kong, 22 February 1898, in celebration of George Washington's birthday. This was only a week after the USS Maine blew up in Havana Harbor, and peacetime routine still prevailed.

Courtesy of the Naval Historical Foundation, Dutreaux Collection

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

Online Image: 64,426 bytes; 740 x 541 pixels

 

Photo #: NH 85768-KN (Color)

Battle of Manila Bay, 1 May 1898


Painting by Fred S. Cozzens, depicting the U.S. battle line turning while in action, with USS Olympia leading.

Courtesy of the Naval Historical Foundation, donation of Mrs. F. Parotto.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

Online Image: 64,421 bytes; 900 x 530 pixels

For best printing results, set printer on "landscape".

 



The pictures below show USS Olympia's officers and crewmen during and shortly after the Spanish-American War.
For other views of her officers and men during this time, see the pages linked above, and:
Battle of Manila Bay, 1 May 1898--Battle of Manila Bay Personalities

Photo #: NH 43347

Rear Admiral George Dewey,
Commander of the U.S. Asiatic Squadron,


with officers of his flagship, USS Olympia (C-6), and his staff on board the Olympia in Manila Bay circa 20 May-1 June 1898.
Those present are identified in unabridged caption.

Collection of Rear Admiral Ammen Farenholt, USN(MC)

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

Online Image: 83,094 bytes; 740 x 535 pixels

 

Photo #: NH 100318

Admiral George Dewey, USN (1837-1917)


On board his flagship, USS Olympia, in Manila Bay, Philippine Islands, circa 1899. The original photograph was copyright 1899 by Underwood & Underwood and published on a stereograph card by Strohmeyer & Wyman, New York. Note awning overhead, 8"/35 gun turret at right and 5"/40 broadside guns in the background.

Donation of Louis Smaus, 1985.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

Online Image: 68,652 bytes; 590 x 655 pixels

A stereo pair version of this image is available as Photo # NH 100318-A

Online Image of stereo pair: 57,736 bytes; 675 x 355 pixels

 

Photo #: NH 50564

Admiral George Dewey, USN (1837-1917)


On board USS Olympia, upon his return to the United States in 1899. Photograph by George Grantham, 15 Park Row, New York City.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

Online Image: 54,660 bytes; 518 x 780 pixels

 

Photo #: NH 59627

C.C. Mitchell


The bugler who sounded "General Quarters" aboard USS Olympia at the start of the battle of Manila Bay, 1 May 1898.
Photographed circa September 1899 by George Grantham, 15 Park Row, New York.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

Online Image: 81,924 bytes; 595 x 775 pixels

 

Photo #: NH 75566

USS Olympia (C-6)


View of the ship's forward 8"/35 gun turret, showing plaque between the guns commemorating the Battle of Manila Bay, 1 May 1898. Plaque ribbon inscription is "Gridley you may fire when ready". Photographed circa 1900. Note sailor in front of the turret, wearing a red cross armband.

Courtesy of the Naval Historical Foundation, 1972.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

Online Image: 86,809 bytes; 545 x 775 pixels

 

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10 October 1998