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NavSource Online: Battleship Photo Archive

BB-7 USS ILLINOIS

Radio Call Sign: November - Hotel - Oscar

Illinois Class Battleship: Displacement 11,565 Tons, Dimensions, 375' 4" (oa) x 72' 3" x 25' 10" (Max), Armament 4 x 13"/35 14 x 6"/40, 4 x 18" tt, Armor, 16" 1/2 Belt, 14" Turrets, 4 " Decks, 10" Conning Tower,Machinery, 10,000 IHP; 2 vertical, Inverted, triple expansion engines, 2 screws, Speed, 16 Knots, Crew 536.

Operational and Building Data: Laid down by Newport News Shipbuilding, Newport News, VA, on 10 February 1897. Launched 4 October 1898, Commissioned 16 September 1901. Decommissioned 4 August 1909, Recommissioned 15 April 1912, Decommissioned 15 May 1920, to New York State, Naval Militia, 25 October 1921, Reclassified IX-15, 26 June 1922. Used as decked over drill ship until 1955. Renamed Prairie State, 23 January 1941. Stricken 26 March 1956.
Fate: Sold 18 May 1956 and broken up for scrap.
Click On Image
For Full Size		 Size Image Description Source
Keel Laying / Commissioning
1896 - 1901
BB-7
010777		1.34kWash drawing of the Illinois (BB-7) by R. G. Skerrett, 1896, representing her design at the time that construction was started. Photo NH-53214 courtesy of history.navy.mil
BB-7 Illinois 646k African American men operating a metal punching machine at a ship building plant punching single bars for U.S. battleship Illinois (BB-7), 1898. Photo Copyright by Rusk and Shaw, Newport News, Va. courtesy of loc.gov..
Reproduction Number LC-USZ62-95566.
Turret Plans480kThis is an original 1898 2-page article from the Scientific American Journal from January 29th entitled "The Latest Battleships For The United States Navy". This article details turret plans for the Kearsarge & Illinois classes. Photo courtesy of periodpaper.com
BB-5NROUR NEW BATTLESHIPS.
KEARSARGE (BB-5), KENTUCKY (BB-6), ILLINOIS (BB-7), ALABAMA (BB-8) & WISCONSIN (BB-9)		Image and text provided by Library of Virginia; Richmond, VA.
Photo from Richmond Dispatch. (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 26 June 1898, Image 11, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-7 Illinois 648k THE NEXT NATIONAL CHRISTENING
The most diplomatic reply on record was made by Miss Leiter to the W.C.T.U. when that organization requested her to christen the new battleship Illinois (BB-7) with water; I will leave the matter with Gov. Tanner, who appointed me, said this Chicago lady, for he undoubtedly understands best the sentiments of the state."		 Image and text provided by West Virginia University.
Photo & text by The Wheeling Daily Intelligencer. (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 21 September 1898, Image 6, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-7 Illinois 1.08k THE NEW BATTLESHIP ILLINOIS (BB-7) TO BE LAUNCHED ON TUESDAY AT NEWPORT NEWS. Image and text provided by Library of Virginia; Richmond, VA.
Photo from Richmond Dispatch. (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 02 October 1898, Image 1, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-7 Illinois 528k Illinois (BB-7) waiting to be launched at Newport News, Virginia, 4 October 1898. Photo # PR-3-Box 85-3, George Prince, courtesy of the Library of Congress from the National Museum of the U.S. Navy, via flickr.com.
BB-7 Illinois 1.03k Launching party moments before the Illinois (BB-7) christening by Ms. Leiter, Newport News, Virginia. Photograph by Rusk and Shaw. Photo # Lot-5524-1, courtesy of the Library of Congress from the National Museum of the U.S. Navy, via flickr.com.
BB-7 Illinois 1.00k Champagne flies amidst open umbrellas in the hot sun at Illinois (BB-7) launching and christening by Ms. Leiter, Newport News, Virginia, 4 October 1898. Photograph by Rusk and Shaw. Photo # Lot-5524-3, courtesy of the Library of Congress from the National Museum of the U.S. Navy, via flickr.com.
BB-7 Illinois 736k Illinois (BB-7) launching at Newport News, Virginia, 4 October 1898. Stereo photo, taken by J.F. Jarvis. Courtesy of Commander D.J. Robinson, 1979. Source: Naval History and Heritage Command, Photo No. NH 89083 courtesy of Mike Green.
BB-7 Illinois 1.10k Illinois (BB-7) going down the ways after christening by Ms. Leiter, Newport News, Virginia. Photograph by Rusk and Shaw. Photo # Lot-5524-2, courtesy of the Library of Congress from the National Museum of the U.S. Navy, via flickr.com.
BB-7 Illinois 1.51k BATTLESHIP ILLINOIS (BB-7) GLIDES INTO THE WATER AT NEWPORT NEWS
MISS LEITER IS SPONSOR And Christens the Biggest and Most Powerful Warship of the United States Navy.		 Image and text provided by University of California, Riverside.
Photo from The Herald. (Los Angeles [Calif.] 1893-1900, 05 October 1898, Image 3, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-7 Illinois 626k One good turn deserves another.
BATTLESHIP ILLINOIS (BB-7) GLIDES INTO THE WATER AT NEWPORT NEWS
MISS LEITER IS SPONSOR And Christens the Biggest and Most Powerful Warship of the United States Navy.		 Photo did appear on this site on 29 April 2018 via Huntington Ingalls Industries' photostream but has since been removed sometime prior to December 2022.
BB-7 Illinois 1.17k Miss Nannie Leiter, who christened the battleship Illinois (BB-7) launched at Newport News yesterday. Photo courtesy of Ron Reeves (of blessed memory).
Image and text provided by State Historical Society of Missouri; Columbia, MO.
Photo by Kansas City Journal. (Kansas City, Mo.) 1897-1928, 05 October 1898, Image 7, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-7 Illinois NR BATTLESHIP ILLINOIS (BB-7) LAUNCHED AT THE NEWPORT NEWS YARD
Vast Throng Sees The Christening of the American Navy's Most Powerful Fighting Machine		 Image and text provided by University of California, Riverside.
Photo by The San Francisco Call. (San Francisco [Calif.] 1895-1913, 05 October 1898, Image 3, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-7 Illinois NR The launching of the battleship Illinois (BB-7). Image and text provided by State Historical Society of Missouri; Columbia, MO.
Photo by The Cape Girardeau Democrat. (Cape Girardeau, Mo.) 1876-1909, 08 October 1898, Image 7, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-7 Illinois 2.28k The building of a battleship; various views of the Illinois (BB-7) under construction in 1898. Image and text provided by University of Utah, Marriott Library.
Photo by The Ogden Standard. (Ogden City, Utah) 1902-1910, 22 January 1910, Part Two, Image 15, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-7
010752		948kInboard profile of an Illinois (BB-7) class battleship. Drawn by R. G. Serest, 1898. From the Serest Collection, Bethlehem Steel Corp. Archives. Ships of this class were: Illinois (BB-7), Alabama (BB-8) & Wisconsin (BB-9). Courtesy of Smithsonian Institution.
Photo NH-53219 courtesy of history.navy.mil
BB-7 Illinois 44k Inboard profile of Illinois (BB-7) as completed. Photo and text courtesy of U.S. Battleships: An Illustrated Design History by Norman Friedman.
BB-7 Illinois NR AMERICA AND ENGLAND CAN WHIP THE WORLD
The Illinois (BB-7) is pictured on the right.		 Image and text provided by University of California, Riverside.
Photo by The Herald. (Los Angeles [Calif.] 1893-1900, 04 December 1898, Image 17, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-7
010745		1.50kIllinois (BB-7) model of the ship in a model of the Cavite floating dry-dock, at an exposition, circa 1900. Photo NH-53222 courtesy of history.navy.mil
BB-7
010746		1.34kPhotographed during the early 1900's. Photo NH-53215 courtesy of history.navy.mil
BB-7 Illinois NR NEW BATTLESHIP ILLINOIS (BB-7) EXCEEDS CONTRACT SPEED
Successful Builders' Trial Trip Held and Sixteen and Two Tenths Knots Recorded.		 Image and text provided by University of California, Riverside.
Photo by The San Francisco Call. (San Francisco [Calif.] 1895-1913, 13 March 1901, Image 2, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-7 Illinois NR THE UNITED STATES BATTLESHIP ILLINOIS (BB-7)
Which will have its official trial trip to-day. 		Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo by New-York Tribune. (New York [N.Y.] 1866-1924, 12 June 1901, Image 3, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-7 Illinois 656k ON HER TRIAL TRIP
 Battleship Illinois (BB-7) Proves to Be the Speediest of Her Class in the World.
A NEW RECORD WAS MAINTAINED.
She Made an Average Speed of 17.81 Knots for Four Consecutive Hours Wednesday. 		Image and text provided by University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY.
Photo by Daily Public Ledger. (Maysville, Ky.) 1892-191?, 13 June 1901, Image 3, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-7 Illinois 1.58k THE UNITED STATES BATTLESHIP ILLINOIS (BB-7)
MAP OF TRIAL COURSE
Image and text provided by University of Utah, Marriott Library.
Photo by Deseret Evening News. (Great Salt Lake City [Utah] 1867-1920, 17 June 1901, Image 1, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-7 Illinois 915k THE RECORD BREAKING RACE OF THE ILLINOIS (BB-7)
THE BATTLESHIP ILLINOIS THE FINEST WARSHIP AFLOAT 		Image and text provided by University of Florida.
Photo by The New Enterprise. (Madison, Fla.) 1901-1908, 05 September 1901, Image 2, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-7 Illinois 122k Fitting out at the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company shipyard, Newport News, Virginia, circa 1901, soon after she ran her trials. The number "17.31" painted on her after turret proclaims the speed achieved on the trial run. Note the numbers on her hull side, and the broom lashed to her foremast peak. Photograph # 19-N-1-6-13 from the Bureau of Ships Collection in the U.S. National Archives.
BB-7 Illinois 893k Illinois (BB-7) is shown in floating dry dock at Naval Station New Orleans, Louisiana in 1902. Source: United States National Archives, Photo No. USN 902241 via Mike Green.
1900's
BB-7 Illinois 96k Capt. George Albert Converse commanded the battleship Illinois (BB-7) from 1901 to 1903. He was the first commanding officer of the Illinois.USN photo courtesy of Bill Gonyo.
BB-7 Illinois 125k Ship's officers and crew, 7 October 1901. Her Commanding Officer, Captain George A. Converse, is seated in a chair by the capstan. Photograph copyrighted by M.W. Tennant, Newport News Va. Photo # NH 53221, now in the collections of the National Archives. Photo i.d. courtesy of Art Shippee.
BB-7 Illinois 956k In a harbor, circa 1901-1908.
The battleship behind and to the left is either the Indiana (BB-1) or Massachusetts (BB-2). 		Detroit Publishing Company Photo LC-DIG-det-4a17012 courtesy of loc.gov.
BB-7 Illinois 88k Preparing to dock the New Orleans Naval Station, Louisiana, circa January 1902. USN photo courtesy of US Naval Academy Library, Annapolis, Maryland.
BB-7 Illinois 1.42k In the new floating drydock at New Orleans Naval Station, Louisiana, 6 January 1902. The original caption reads: " Illinois (BB-7) was placed in the new New Orleans floating dry dock to test her capabilities (the dry dock's). At two o'clock the huge ship stood high and dry on the keel blocks." Photograph # NH 68863, courtesy of the history.navy.mil
BB-7 Illinois NR As she looked while testing the great new floating dock at New Orleans on 10 January.
The Illinois (BB-7) will be the flagship of the United States naval squadron at the launching of the Kaiser's yacht. 		Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo from New-York Tribune. (New York [N.Y.] 1866-1924, 26 January 1902, Image 31, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-7 Illinois 102k In the new floating drydock at the New Orleans Naval Station, Louisiana, circa January 1902. Hand-tinted postal card, published by J. Scordill, New Orleans. Photograph # NH 93708-KN, courtesy of the Naval Historical Foundation, Washington, D.C.
BB-7 Illinois NR SCENES CONNECTED WITH THE ARRIVAL OF PRINCE HENRY
MANNING THE TOPS ON THE BATTLESHIP ILLINOIS (BB-7)		Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo from New-York Tribune. (New York [N.Y.] 1866-1924, 24 February 1902, Image 3, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-7 Illinois 44k A buff white Illinois (BB-7) anchored with other ships of the Atlantic fleet, possibly from 15 to 28 February 1902 when she served as flagship for Rear Admiral R. D. Evans during the reception for Prince Henry of Prussia. USN photo courtesy of Robert Hurst. Text courtesy of DANFS.
BB-7 Illinois NR THE UNITED STATES BATTLESHIP ILLINOIS (BB-7) JUST BEFORE SAILING
ADMIRAL CROWNINSHIELD STARTS FOR THE CORONATION CEREMONY
Bearing the flag of Rear Admiral A. S. Crowninshield, the battleship departed New York 30 April 1902 and arrived Naples 18 May, where the Admiral took command of the European Squadron. Illinois carried out training and ceremonial duties until 14 July 1902, when she grounded in the harbor of Christiana, Norway, and had to return to England for repairs. She remained at Chatham until 1 September 1902, then proceeded to the Mediterranean and South Atlantic for fleet maneuvers.
Partial text courtesy of DANFS.
Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo from New-York Tribune. (New York [N.Y.] 1866-1924, 01 May 1902, Image 1, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-7 Illinois 100k View on deck, looking forward from the stern, 1902. Note the capstan and open hatches in the foreground, with the ship's after twin 13"/35 gun turret beyond. Photograph # 19-N-1-8-8, from the Bureau of Ships Collection in the U.S. National Archives.
BB-7 Illinois 108k View in a torpedo compartment, showing a trainable torpedo tube and a 18-inch torpedo, 1902. Note the overhead rail for moving torpedoes from their stowage position to the tube. Photograph # 19-N-1-8-26, from the Bureau of Ships Collection in the U.S. National Archives.
BB-7 Illinois NR THE BATTLESHIP ILLINOIS (BB-7)
This unique illustration showing the deck of the battleship Illinois is from a photograph taken of that magnificent warship as she swept beneath the central span of the great Brooklyn suspension bridge. The Illinois had just left dock in the Brooklyn navy yard and was on her way to sea. The photograph being taken by special arrangement with her officers and officials of the navy department. 		Image and text provided by University of Utah, Marriott Library.
Photo by Deseret Evening News. (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 06 September 1902, Last Edition, Part Three, Image 11, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-2 1.57k MIMIC NAVAL WARFARE IN THE CARIBBEAN SEA
THE ILLINOIS (BB-7), THE MASSACHUSETTS (BB-2), THE MAYFLOWER		 Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo from The Washington Times.(Washington [D.C.] 1902-1939, 14 December 1902, Editorials, The Drama, and Society, Image 17, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-7 Illinois 1.26k Not a summer scene: Sailors in blue uniforms with boats alongside an anchored Illinois (BB-7) in port, 1903. Detroit Publishing Company Photo LC-DIG-det-4a15340 courtesy of loc.gov.
Texas 2.63k Texas at Brooklyn Navy Yard, probably in mid May 1903, beyond her is Kearsarge (BB-5) and a Indiana class, either Indiana (BB-1) or Massachusetts (BB-2).
The Auxiliary Cruiser Buffalo appears on the right, in the center is an Illinois class (Illinois (BB-7) or Alabama (BB-8). 		Photo i.d. courtesy of Richard M. Jensen.
Detroit Publishing Company Photo by Edward H. Hart. LC-DIG-det-4a15442 courtesy of loc.gov.
IllinoisNRWARSHIPS COALED AT SEA AT THE RATE OF FORTY TONS AN HOUR
PH0TOGRAPHS SHOWING THE METHOD OF COALING A WARSHIP AT SEA BY THE USE OF APPARATUS WITH WHICH THE BATTLESHIP ILLINOIS (BB-7) IS NOW EQUIPPED. 		Image and text provided by University of California, Riverside.
Photo from The San Francisco Call.(San Francisco [Calif.] 1895-1913, 02 August 1903, Image 30, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-5 Kearsarge 661k TO SEIZE PORTLAND
The great object of the attacking fleet in the coming maneuvers will be the attempts to capture Portland, Me., which will be made from midnight, August 25, to noon, August 29. Preparations will be made to resist attacks on forts by landing parties. All forts in the artillery district of Portland will be mobilized oa a war basis. General Chaffee will head the land forces, while Rear Admiral Barker will assist him in the defense of the port.
The Kearsarge (BB-5) & Illinois (BB-7) are the battleships listed as participaing in this event. 		Image and text provided by Kansas State Historical Society; Topeka, KS.
Photo fromThe Topeka State Journal. (Topeka, Kan.) 1892-1980, 15 August 1903, LAST EDITION, Image 4, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-2 NR WITH THE FLEET OF WARSHIPS WHICH THE PRESIDENT WILL REVIEW TO-DAY.
Calling to quarters on the Kearsarge (BB-5)
THE MAYFLOWER, SAILORS OFF DUTY ON BOARD THE FLAGSHIP KEARSARGE, YACHT MURIEL, AND BATTLESHIP ILLINOIS (BB-7). 		Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo from the New-York Tribune. (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 17 August 1903, Image 1, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-7 Illinois 2.69k OFFICERS AND SHIPS IN THE WAR GAME OFF THE MAINE COAST.
THE KEARSARGE (BB-5) & ILLINOIS (BB-7).		 Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo by New-York Tribune. (New York [N.Y.] 1866-1924, 25 August 1903, Image 1, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
WAR GAME
010803g		 NR ARMY DEFENCES AGAINST THE NAVAL ASSAULT IN THE WAR GAME.
BOTH CLAIM VICTORY
Daybreak this morning witnessed the first conflict in the war game. Skirmishes early in the evening were followed by a grand dash by the battleships Kearsarge (BB-5),  Alabama (BB-8) and Illinois (BB-7) straight through the main ship channel in the teeth of the fire of the forts and straight into the harbor. For two hours the guns of the fleet and shore were booming, and it was daylight before the last shots were exchanged. The army says that a great victory has been won, alleging the destruction of the fleet by mines and gunfire. The fleet will say that the searchlights, which guided the shots of the army were destroyed by the secondary batteries of the fleet, and that the fire control station and headquarters were similarly wiped out. 		Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
New-York Tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 27 August 1903, Image 1, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-7 Illinois 629k Navy bandsmen on the ship's quarterdeck, during a ceremony in 1904. The bandsmen are wearing uniforms with spiked helmets, as are the U.S. Marines on the far side of the deck. Photograph # NH 82376, from the Bureau of Ships Collection in the U.S. National Archives.
BB-7 Illinois 448k CAPTAIN R. B. BRADFORD
Captain R. B. Bradford is the commander of the United States battleship Illinois (BB-7), which was recently seriously damaged in collision with the battleship Missouri (BB-11), and has since been undergoing repair.
He was the CO from November 1903-November 04.		Text i.d. courtesy of Ron Reeves (of blessed memory)
Image and text provided by Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records; Phoenix, AZ
Photo from Bisbee Daily Review. (Bisbee, Ariz.) 1901-1971, 02 June 1904, Image 1, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-8 Alabama 781k Alabama (BB-8) & Illinois (BB-7) in New York, by West Pier # 7, circa 1905. Photo LC-DIG-det-4a15759 courtesy of loc.gov.
BB-6
010780		509k RACE BOAT AND CREW Illinois (BB-7) Note the graceful lines of the boat and the muscles of the crew. Photo by Enrique Mueller Jr., 1905, from loc.gov courtesy of Joe Reese.
BB-7 Illinois
010742		1.81k Hung out to dry in the wind as Illinois (BB-7) moves through 1905. Photo & Copyright 1905 by Detroit Publishing Company via Library of Congress. Reproduction Number: LC-DIG-det-4a15767
BB-4 Iowa 626k Iowa (BB-4) recommissioned 23 December 1903 and joined the North Atlantic Squadron. She participated in the John Paul Jones Commemoration ceremonies, 30 June 1905. Iowa appears here in Boston Harbor possibly circa 1905. Of the two battleships in the near distance, the Alabama (BB-8) is the closest, leaving the Illinois (BB-7) as the only choice. A Indiana (BB-01/03) class appears beyond her, with a Maine (BB-10/12) or Virginia class BB-13/17 docked in the distance. Text courtesy of DANFS.
Photo i.d. courtesy of Richard M. Jensen.
Photo 08_06_005034, courtesy of the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection, via digitalcommonwealth.org
BB-1 Indiana 1.21k Dry Dock No. 4 Looking East from Building No. 131.
Indiana (BB-1) inboard (with only one mast in this photo) & a two funnelled battleship, either the Illinois (BB-7) or Alabama (BB-8) outboard, 5 December 1905. 		National Archives Identifier: 6282079
Agency-Assigned Identifier: F544 N69
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
BB-7 Illinois 314k A circa early - mid 1900's postcard of the Illinois (BB-7) drawn by Edward H. Mitchell Publishers of San Francisco, CA.Photo from the collection of Raymond Strout, courtesy of Jonathan Eno.
BB-7 Illinois 113k A circa early - mid 1900's postcard of the Illinois (BB-7) drawn by Britton & Rey of San Francisco, CA.Photo courtesy of Robert M. Cieri.
BB-7 Illinois 179k A circa early - mid 1900's postcard of the Illinois (BB-7) drawn by the Illustrated Postal Card Co, N.Y.Photo courtesy of Robert M. Cieri.
Oyster Bay2.63kAN IMPOSING SPECTACLE
Birds-eye View Showing Position of Fleet in Naval Review at Oyster Bay.		Image and text provided by University of Utah, Marriott Library.
Photo & text by The Salt Lake Herald. (Salt Lake City [Utah) 1870-1909, 04 September 1906, Image 7, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
Bowyer 154k Capt. John Marshall Bowyer was the commanding officer of the battleship Illinois (BB-7) from 1907 to 1909. Photo courtesy of the United States Naval Academy via Bill Gonyo.
Image and text provided by University of Utah, Marriott Library.
Photo from The Logan Republican. (Logan, Utah) 1902-1924, 10 August 1907, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-7 Illinois 45k Maine (BB-10) versus Illinois (BB-7) boat race, circa 1907. Illinois in the lead. From the collection of Capt. Thomas C. Edrington III, USN.
Contributed by his daughter Kyra Larn Edrington and son Thomas C. Edrington IV.
BB-7 Illinois 88k Capt. Thomas C. Edrington II, USN circa 1907. From the collection of Capt. Thomas C. Edrington III, USN.
Contributed by his daughter Kyra Larn Edrington and son Thomas C. Edrington IV.
BB-7 Illinois 85k Cabin of Capt. Thomas C. Edrington II, circa 1907. From the collection of Capt. Thomas C. Edrington III, USN.
Contributed by his daughter Kyra Larn Edrington and son Thomas C. Edrington IV.
BB-7 Illinois 100k Illinois (BB-7) in dry-dock, circa 1907. From the collection of Capt. Thomas C. Edrington III, USN.
Contributed by his daughter Kyra Larn Edrington and son Thomas C. Edrington IV.
BB-7 Illinois 93k Keeping fit: Punching bag on the Illinois (BB-7), circa 1907. From the collection of Capt. Thomas C. Edrington III, USN.
Contributed by his daughter Kyra Larn Edrington and son Thomas C. Edrington IV.
BB-7 Illinois 97k Illinois (BB-7) "black gang" - coaling crew, circa 1907. From the collection of Capt. Thomas C. Edrington III, USN.
Contributed by his daughter Kyra Larn Edrington and son Thomas C. Edrington IV.
BB-7 Illinois 100k Illinois (BB-7) bum boats at Barbados, circa 1907. From the collection of Capt. Thomas C. Edrington III, USN.
Contributed by his daughter Kyra Larn Edrington and son Thomas C. Edrington IV.
BB-7 Illinois 94k Illinois (BB-7) coal party at Barbados, circa 1907. From the collection of Capt. Thomas C. Edrington III, USN.
Contributed by his daughter Kyra Larn Edrington and son Thomas C. Edrington IV.
BB-7 Illinois 72k Illinois (BB-7) 6 pound gun, #10 and crew, circa 1907. Note the ammunition on deck. From the collection of Capt. Thomas C. Edrington III, USN.
Contributed by his daughter Kyra Larn Edrington and son Thomas C. Edrington IV.
BB-7 Illinois 94k Illinois (BB-7) lowering boats from the davits, circa 1907. From the collection of Capt. Thomas C. Edrington III, USN.
Contributed by his daughter Kyra Larn Edrington and son Thomas C. Edrington IV.
BB-7 Illinois 90k Illinois (BB-7) swimming call, circa 1907. From the collection of Capt. Thomas C. Edrington III, USN.
Contributed by his daughter Kyra Larn Edrington and son Thomas C. Edrington IV.
BB-7 Illinois 138k Cuban Pacification Medal.
This medal was issued to officers and enlisted men of the Navy or who had been in the Navy and who served ashore in Cuba between the dates of 12 September 1906 and 01 April 1909, or who were attached to any of the following ships between the dates designated beside each name (Navy Department General Order No. 30 of 13 August 1909):
Alabama (BB-8), 11 February 07-16 February 07
Brooklyn, 07 October 06-01 November 06
Celtic, 28 Sep. 06-15 January 07
Cleveland, 21 Sep. 06-13 January 07
Columbia, 20 October 06-17 April 07
Denver, 12 Sep. 06-02 October 06
Des Moines, 15 Sep. 06-25 January 07
Dixie, 12 Sep. 06-21 Sep. 06
07 January 07-18 August 07
Dubuque, 18 May 07-19 May 07
Eagle, 04 December 06-01 June 07
Illinois (BB-7), 11 February 07-16 February 07
 From the collection of Capt. Thomas C. Edrington III, USN.
Contributed by his daughter Kyra Larn Edrington and son Thomas C. Edrington IV.
BB-7 Illinois 70k Illinois (BB-7), main forward turret armament of 2 x 13"/35 circa 1907. From the collection of Capt. Thomas C. Edrington III, USN.
Contributed by his daughter Kyra Larn Edrington and son Thomas C. Edrington IV.
BB-7 Illinois 90k Illinois (BB-7) crew on leave in Barbados, circa 1907. From the collection of Capt. Thomas C. Edrington III, USN.
Contributed by his daughter Kyra Larn Edrington and son Thomas C. Edrington IV.
BB-7 Illinois 94k Illinois (BB-7) coaling ship along side, circa 1907. From the collection of Capt. Thomas C. Edrington III, USN.
Contributed by his daughter Kyra Larn Edrington and son Thomas C. Edrington IV.
BB-7 Illinois 79k Illinois (BB-7) cooks and commissary, circa 1907. From the collection of Capt. Thomas C. Edrington III, USN.
Contributed by his daughter Kyra Larn Edrington and son Thomas C. Edrington IV.
BB-7 Illinois 63k Illinois (BB-7) forecastle, circa 1907. From the collection of Capt. Thomas C. Edrington III, USN.
Contributed by his daughter Kyra Larn Edrington and son Thomas C. Edrington IV.
BB-7 Illinois 71k "Killing time" on the Illinois (BB-7), circa 1907. From the collection of Capt. Thomas C. Edrington III, USN.
Contributed by his daughter Kyra Larn Edrington and son Thomas C. Edrington IV.
BB-7 Illinois 83k Illinois (BB-7) machine shop, circa 1907. From the collection of Capt. Thomas C. Edrington III, USN.
Contributed by his daughter Kyra Larn Edrington and son Thomas C. Edrington IV.
BB-7 Illinois 66k "Nellie", Illinois (BB-7), circa 1907. From the collection of Capt. Thomas C. Edrington III, USN.
Contributed by his daughter Kyra Larn Edrington and son Thomas C. Edrington IV.
BB-7 Illinois 83k Peeling spuds, circa 1907. From the collection of Capt. Thomas C. Edrington III, USN.
Contributed by his daughter Kyra Larn Edrington and son Thomas C. Edrington IV.
BB-7 Illinois 87k Part of the Illinois (BB-7) crew at the rifle range at Guantanamo Cuba, preparing dinner, circa 1907. From the collection of Capt. Thomas C. Edrington III, USN.
Contributed by his daughter Kyra Larn Edrington and son Thomas C. Edrington IV.
BB-7 Illinois 66k "Stage and Curtain" on the Illinois (BB-7), circa 1907. From the collection of Capt. Thomas C. Edrington III, USN.
Contributed by his daughter Kyra Larn Edrington and son Thomas C. Edrington IV.
BB-7 Illinois 81k Boat race underway on the Illinois (BB-7), circa 1907. The 4 stacker in the back might be the South Dakota or the Pueblo. From the collection of Capt. Thomas C. Edrington III, USN.
Contributed by his daughter Kyra Larn Edrington and son Thomas C. Edrington IV.
BB-13 VirginiaNRGREATEST AMERICAN FLEET
EVER ASSEMBLED IN TIME OFPEACE OR WAR UNDER ONE COMMANDER
Great Fighting Sea Monsters At Anchor in Hampton Roads for Spectacular Contrast of U S Engines of War With Foreign Countries Death - Dealing Machines and for Most Powerful and Terrible Peace Plea. 		Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo from The Washington Times. (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 21 April 1907, Magazine Section, Image 47, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
Hampton Roads
011557		1.45k U. S. Naval display, Hampton Roads, Jamestown, Virginia.
Postcard shows battleships in the Great White Fleet surrounded by smaller craft at Hampton, Virginia. Ships include the Georgia (BB-15), Maine (BB-10), Indiana (BB-1), Rhode Island (BB-17), New Jersey (BB-16), Virginia (BB-13), Ohio (BB-12), Minnesota (BB-22), Alabama (BB-8), Louisiana (BB-19), Iowa (BB-4), Tennessee (ACR-10), Connecticut (BB-18), Kearsarge (BB-5), Illinois (BB-7) and Kentucky (BB-6). 		Photo & Copyright 1907 by W. N. Jennings, Phila., via Library of Congress. Reproduction Number: LC-DIG-ds-02684 (digital file from left half of original item) LC-DIG-ds-02744 (digital file from right half of original item)
Illinois class
010705		467k 1907 Print First-Class Battleship Illinois (BB-7), Alabama (BB-8), and Wisconsin (BB-9). Photo courtesy of periodpaper.com
BB-07 Illinois NR TURRETS ARE DEATH TRAPS
This photograph shows what a turret on a battleship looks like from the outside. This view was taken on the Illinois (BB-7). The turret is made of solid armored steel and from within are fired the ship's biggest guns. 		Photo courtesy of the United States Naval Academy via Bill Gonyo.
Image and text provided by Washington State Library; Olympia, WA.
Photo from The Spokane Press. (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 13 August 1907, Image 4, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
Great White Fleet Cruise
Great White Fleet112kChart from a contemporary newspaper, showing the route to be taken by the Atlantic Fleet's battleships and their associated Torpedo Flotilla, from their December 1907 departure from Hampton Roads, Virginia, until their planned arrival at San Francisco, California, in the spring of 1908. Text below the chart indicates that it was published in mid-December 1907.U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph # NH 106219. Courtesy of the Naval Historical Foundation, Washington, D.C. Collection of Rear Admiral Harold M. Bemis.
Great White Fleet 15.4k The "Great White Fleet" steaming in column, probably while departing Hampton Roads, Virginia, at the start of their cruise around the World, December 1907. Kansas (BB-21) is at left, followed by Vermont (BB-20). USN photo # N-0000X-001 courtesy of navy.mil. Photographed by C.E. Waterman, Hampton, Va. via Bob Canchola
Eighteen-inch Torpedo 64k Eighteen-inch Torpedo (Whitehead type).
On board a U.S. Navy battleship of the Indiana class (BB-1 / 3) or Maine class (BB-10 / 12) circa 1907-1908. This view may have been taken during the "Great White Fleet" World cruise.		 U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph # NH 106066. Collection of Chief Quartermaster John Harold.
Hard-Hat Diver 72k "Hard-Hat" Diver descending from the stern of a launch alongside a battleship, circa 1907-1908. Note the 6"/50 broadside gun mounted in the battleship's hull side.
This ship is either Indiana class (BB-1 / 3) or Maine class (BB-10 / 12) or Virginia class (BB-13 / 17) battleship.
This view may have been taken during the "Great White Fleet" World cruise.		 U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph # NH 106072. Collection of Chief Quartermaster John Harold.
Great White Fleet112kChart from a contemporary newspaper, showing the route of the Atlantic Fleet's battleships from their 29 January 1907 departure from Trinidad until their arrival at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on 12 January 1908. It emphasizes the offshore course taken to avoid strong westerly currents off the northeastern coast of South America.U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph # NH 106221. Courtesy of the Naval Historical Foundation, Washington, D.C. Collection of Rear Admiral Harold M. Bemis.
Straits of Magellan290k The "Great White Fleet" in the Straits of Magellan, 1908, from a painting by Henry Reuterdahl.Photograph courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
Great White Fleet129kChart from a contemporary newspaper, showing the movements of the Atlantic Fleet's battleships from their 8 February 1908 passage of the western part of the Straits of Magellan until their arrival at Callao, Peru, on 20 February 1908.U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph # NH 106227b. Courtesy of the Naval Historical Foundation, Washington, D.C. Collection of Rear Admiral Harold M. Bemis.
BB-7 Illinois 125k Photographed circa 1908. The original photograph was printed on a stereographic card, copyright by Underwood & Underwood, 1908. Photo # NH 100295, from the Bureau of Ships Collection in the U.S. National Archives.
Great White Fleet83kProminent "Great White Fleet" Officers appear in this photo. From left to right & top to bottom:
First row: Captain McCrea, Captain Bartlett, Captain Kossuth Niles, of Louisiana (BB-19); Captain Hugo Osterhaus, of Connecticut (BB-18) & Captain Ingersoll.
Second row: Captain John M. Bowyer, of Illinois (BB-7); Captain Joseph B. Murdock, of Rhode Island (BB-17); Admiral Bob Evans; Admiral Potter, & Admiral Schroder.
Third row: Captain Alexander Sharp, of Virginia (BB-13); Captain Veeder, Captain Murrell, Admiral Wainwright, & Admiral Vaher.		Photo printed on a stereographic card, copyrighted by Underwood & Underwood, courtesy of Warren McLean.
Great White Fleet99kCommanding officers of most of the fleet's ships, photographed in 1908. Those present include (Seated, left to right): Captain Hugo Osterhaus, of Connecticut (BB-18); Captain Kossuth Niles, of Louisiana (BB-19); Captain William P. Potter, of Vermont (BB-20); Captain John Hubbard, of Minnesota (BB-22); Captain Joseph B. Murdock, of Rhode Island (BB-17); Captain Charles E. Vreeland, of Kansas (BB-21).
Standing, left to right): Captain Hamilton Hutchins, of Kearsarge (BB-5); Captain Frank E. Beatty, of Wisconsin (BB-9); Captain Reginald F. Nicholson, of Nebraska (BB-14); Captain Thomas B. Howard, of Ohio (BB-12); Captain William H.H. Southerland, of New Jersey (BB-16); Captain Walter C. Cowles, of Kentucky (BB-6); Captain John M. Bowyer, of Illinois (BB-7); Captain Alexander Sharp, of Virginia (BB-13); Lieutenant Commander Charles B. McVay, of Yankton.		Photo # NH 59552, now in the collections of the National Archives.
BB-18 Connecticut185kMAGDELENA BAY, WHERE THE FLEET ASSEMBLES FOR TARGET PRACTICE.
INTENSE RIVALRY OF CREWS IN MAKING NEW RECORDS WITH THE BIG GUNS
Seven inch gun drill aboard the Connecticut (BB-18) in Magdalena Bay, Mexico on 12 March 1908.		PDF Image and text provided by University of California, Riverside;
Photo & text by The San Francisco Call.(San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 29 March 1908, Image 5, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
Fleet at Long Beach 507k The fleet at San Diego, Calif., 5, May 1908.
What looks like two Connecticut class (BB-18 / 22 & 25) battleships to the left; a Virginia class (BB-13 / 17) battleship in the center with what might be three other Connecticut class (BB-18 / 22 & 25) battleships in the immediate distance; two Illinois class (BB-7 / 9) battleships are on the right corner, behind them are the two Kearsarge class (BB-5 / 6) battleships and a Virginia class (BB-13 / 17) or Connecticut class (BB-18 / 22 & 25) battleship in the right corner of the photo. 		Library of Congress photo # pan 6a33626,by W. D. Lambert; submitted by Tom Kermen.
BB-18 Connecticut3.71kUnited States fleet, San Francisco Bay. Photo pan 6a33217 courtesy of loc.gov via Detroit Photographic Company.
BB-5 Kearsarge 573k Atlantic Fleet entering Golden Gate 6th May 1908. Library of Congress photo # pan 6a33669, from the Panoramic View Co., Chas. Z. Bailey, Mgr., Los Angeles, Cal. submitted by Tom Kermen.
Great White Fleet 192k The "Great White Fleet" lies in San Francisco Bay on 6 May 1908.
Nearest ship is an Illinois class (BB-7 / 9) battleship. Ahead of it are what appears to be two Maine class (BB-10 / 12) battleships. 		Photo by Louis Bostwick, courtesy of greatwhitefleet.info, by William Stewart.
Naval Review in San Francisco Bay, 17 May 1908 155k Panoramic photograph by the Pillsbury Picture Company showing the review of the "Great White Fleet" on 17 May 1908 by Secretary of the Navy Victor A. Metcalf, embarked in Yorktown (PG-1), which is steaming toward the left in the right center of the image. Three destroyers are in the line nearest to the camera (from left to center), with either Hopkins (DD-6) or Hull (DD-7) in the center and Lawrence (DD-8) next astern. Eleven battleships are present, in the rows on the opposite side of Yorktown's course, and seven Pacific Fleet armored cruisers are in the most distant row. Photo # NH 105310, from the collections of the U.S. Naval Historical Center.
BB-7 Illinois 68k In a China Sea typhoon during the World cruise of the "Great White Fleet", 1908. Photograph# NH 53218, from the Bureau of Ships Collection in the U.S. National Archives.
GWF901kTHE ATLANTIC FLEET OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
From Official Bulletin of Bureau of Navigation showing the Vessels off the Port of Callao practicing the Gridiron maneuver. This is considered by Naval authorities to be the most dangerous evolution in steam tactics and its improper execution caused the loss of HMS Victoria with 798 men in 1893.
Picture faithfully represents the entire Fleet in official formation and vessels can be identified by numbers corresponding to table appended:
First Division
1. Connecticut (BB-18), Flagship, 2. Kansas (BB-21), 3. Vermont (BB-20), 4. Louisiana (BB-19),
Second Division
5. Georgia (BB-15), Flagship, 6. New Jersey (BB-16), 7. Rhode Island (BB-17), 8. Virginia (BB-13),
18 Torpedo Flotilla
Whipple (DD-15), Truxtun (DD-14), Lawrence (DD-8), Stewart (DD-13), Hopkins (DD-6) & Hull (DD-7)
Third Division
9. Minnesota (BB-22), Flagship, 10. Ohio (BB-12), 11. Missouri (BB-11), 12. Maine (BB-10)
17. Yankton {Special Dispatch Tender}
Fourth Division
13. Alabama (BB-8), Flagship 14. Illinois (BB-7), 15. Kearsarge (BB-5), 16. Kentucky (BB-6)
19. Auxiliaries
Glacier, [refrigerating ship], Panther,[repair ship],Culgoa,[storeship] & Arethusa,[torpedo flotilla tender]. 		Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo & text by The National Tribune. (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 24 September 1908, Image 3, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
Great White Fleet 100k Postcard published in Japan to commemorate the U.S. Atlantic Fleet's visit there in October 1908. This card features pictures of the Fleet's sixteen battleships, plus images of three Japanese ladies, plus flags and symbols of the United States and Japan. U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph # NH 106114-KN. Collection of Chief Quartermaster John Harold.
Illinois 495k Port broadside view of the Illinois (BB-7), somewhere at sometime before 1909. Photo # 80-G-433638 from NARA, College Park, Maryland, courtesy of Sean Hert.
Various Views of the 1912 Naval Review on the Hudson
Review
012173m		4.51k Mobilization of Atlantic Fleet at New York, 12 - 15 October 1912. Photo courtesy of David Fisher.
Review
012173		1.36k U.S. Battleship Fleet during the 1912 Naval Review on the Hudson.
The nearest ship half visible on the right is the New Hampshire (BB-25) based on the distinctive half-cased stacks. The two sister ships behind her are not clear enough to specifically ID. The fourth ship is one of the Mississippi class, but again, not clear enough to ID.		 Photo i.d. via Richard M. Jensen.
Photo courtesy of David Fisher.
Review
012173d		1.38k Small boats join during the 1912 Naval Review on the Hudson. Photo courtesy of David Fisher.
BB-7 Illinois 164k Off New York City during the Naval Review, October 1912. Photo # NH 60247, from the Bureau of Ships Collection in the U.S. National Archives.
BB-7 Illinois 151k Souvenir post card from Newport Rhode Island, 10 July 1911 showing the quarter deck of the Illinois (BB-7). Photograph courtesy of Tommy Trampp.
IllinoisNRU. S. Naval Strength Double Jap's.
The battleship in the picture is the U. S. Illinois (BB-7); the white outline is the Japanese Fuji. The picture shows the relative strength of the American navy and the Japanese navy. In big guns, number of big battleships, gross tonnage—a general average, as well as an average can be ascertained without a test of actual warfare,the United States navy is just about double that of Japan.		Image and text provided by Washington State Library; Olympia, WA.
Photo from The Tacoma Times. (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 23 December 1911, Image 8, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
Almost UnknownNRSCENE OF UNUSUAL BEAUTY WHEN FLEET AND SHORE WERE ILLUMINATED BY MANY THOUSANDS OF FLAMING ELECTRIC BULBS
NEW YORK, Oct. 16—Pen cannot describe and even photography is inadequate in depicting the splendor of the scene at night during the visit of the fleet to this city. Thousands and thousands of electric lights were hung along Riverside drive, which parallels the Hudson river for miles, and all of the vessels in the fleet were outlined by lines of gleaming lamps. In the accompanying picture the soldiers’ and sailors’ monument appears in the foreground with the curved line of Riverside drive at the left. Several battleships are shown in the river, with the lights on the New Jersey shore in the distance. 		Image and text provided by Ohio Historical Society, Columbus, OH.
Photo by The Democratic Banner.(Mt. Vernon, Ohio) 1898-192?, 18 October 1912, Image 1, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-7 Illinois 114k Postcard of the Illinois (BB-7), 7 July 1913 in Antwerp, Belgium.
The battleship was placed in reserve commission 15 April 1912 and recommissioned 2 November 1912, in time to take part in winter fleet exercises and battle maneuvers with the Atlantic Fleet. During the summers of 1913 and 1914, Illinois made training cruises to Europe with Midshipmen.		 Photo courtesy of Bruce Grafton.
Partial text courtesy of DANFS.
BB-1 Indiana NR ARGENTINE SAILORS DRILLING AT NAVY YARD ON THE NOSE ENDS OF FIVE OF UNCLE SAM'S NAVAL BULLDOGS
An unusual photograph, taken at League Island, showing five battleships and steamer lying in a row while the seamen of the South American Republic make themselves as much at home as if on their own drill grounds, by special arrangement with the U.S. government.
Either the Indiana (BB-1) or the Massachusetts (BB-2) is the first battleship on the left side. The distinctive twin funnels of the Illinois (BB-7) or Alabama (BB-8) appear two ships down.		Image and text provided by Penn State University Libraries; University Park, PA.
Photo from Evening Public Ledger (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 05 March 1915, Night Extra, Image 16, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
Atlantic Fleet250kOUTLINED AGAINST A CURTAIN OF DARKNESS
A fleet of destroyers and torpedo-boats has now arrived at New York to join the heavy ships of the line. Altogether, about 50 vessels will be assembled when the ceremonies began next Monday. It is promised that the strained international relations will have no effect on the parade. 		Photo by International News Service.
Image and text provided by Penn State University Libraries; University Park, PA.
Photo & text by Evening Public Ledger (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 13 May 1915, Night Extra, Image 16, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-1 Indiana 443k A PANORAMIC VIEW OF THE BACK BASIN AT LEAGUE ISLAND
The Illinois (BB-7) or Alabama (BB-8) appears to the right.
Other battleships appear on the left along the pier. 		Image and text provided by Penn State University Libraries; University Park, PA.
Photo from Evening Public Ledger (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 19 June 1915, Final, Image 16, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-8 Alabama56kAlabama (BB-8), Illinois (BB-7) and Maine (BB-10) in the Canal Zone, Balboa. Port Captain's office in rear-the building with many windows. The other buildings are the Mechanical division, shops, etc. Circa 1915 plus.From the collection of Charles Munson. Courtesy Doris & Chuk Munson.
WAR GAME
010716b		 NR A SCHOOLBOY WHO BUILT A BATTLESHIP.
MODEL OK BATTLESHIP BUILT RALPH MICHEL.
Image and text provided by State Historical Society of North Dakota.
Williston Graphic. (Williston, Williams County, N.D.) 1895-1919, 30 March 1916, Image 7, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-6 Kentucky NR Camera man records the picturesqueness attending the military mass at Navy Yard. The battleship Illinois (BB-7) is in the background. Image provided by: Penn State University Libraries; University Park, PA.
Photo from Evening Public Ledger (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 22 May 1916, Night Extra, Image 18, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-7 Illinois 415k Ships of the sea and air as seen at dusk on the Delaware.
The more burly hulks silhouetted on the lower right are the battleships Illinois (BB-7) and Alabama (BB-8), which have been here to take - part in the waterways celebration. The aeroplane is one from the Essington hangars. 		Image provided by: Penn State University Libraries; University Park, PA.
Photo from Evening Public Ledger (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 18 September 1916, Night Extra, Image 16, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-7 Illinois 692k Crewmen drilling with some of the ship's midships 6-pounder guns, prior to World War I. Note the boats and oars stowed overhead, and the raised working platforms for the gun crews. Copied from the book "The United States Navy Illustrated", published in New York, 1917. Photo # NH 79492, courtesy of the United States Naval Historical Center.
BB-7 Illinois 83k Sailor painting one of the battleship's boat cranes, as she is being repainted into wartime gray, circa April 1917. Photo # NH 53220, courtesy of the United States Naval Historical Center.
BB-7 Illinois 1.33k Illinois (BB-7), with signal flags flying from her mast, circa 1917. She still has all her 6-pounder guns.
Note the sub chaser SC-237 off her bow. 		National Archives Identifier: 45512725
Local Identifier: 165-WW-335A-15.
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
BB-7 Illinois 1.61k Illinois (BB-7), circa 1917. Photo by Enrique Muller, Jr.
National Archives Identifier: 45512725
Local Identifier: 165-WW-335A-14.
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
BB-7 Illinois 104k Off the Philadelphia Navy Yard, 1919. Photographed by La Tour. Note that she only retains three six-inch guns on this side. Photo # NH 47030, courtesy of the United States Naval Historical Center.
Philadelphia Navy Yard, Pennsylvania, 138k Philadelphia Navy Yard, Pennsylvania.
Ships in the Navy Yard's Reserve Basin, circa spring 1919. Panoramic photograph taken by Keystone Photo Studios, 817 So. Broad St., Philadelphia. The following ships can be identified from among those present:
Rowan (DD-64); Preston (DD-19); Macdonough (DD-09); Patterson (DD-36); St. Louis (C-12); Ohio (BB-12); SC-342; SC-344; Alabama (BB-8); Kearsarge (BB-5); Illinois (BB-7); Ozark (M-7); Kentucky (BB-6); and Hancock (AP-3) . 		U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph # NH 98604, from the collection of Eugene Bennett, donated by his daughter, Jene B. Hart, September 1988.
BB-7
010706		1.50kIllinois (BB-7) in Middle East Chamber Gatun Locks, Going South 7 July 1919. National Archives Identifier: 100996392.
Local Identifier: 185-G-906
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov
BB-7 Illinois NR THE WARSHIPS Illinois (BB-7) & Kentucky (BB-6), anchored in the Delaware river off South street. The battleships and four others arrived here to be dismantled; all of are an obsolete type. The ships were used for naval recruits during the war. Image and text provided by Penn State University Libraries; University Park, PA.
Photo from Evening Public Ledger. (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 02 September 1919, Night Extra Financial, Image 24 via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
crab fleet
010619s		 NR Last review of the "crab fleet," from deck of Kentucky (BB-6). The Alabama (BB-8), Kenshaw and Illinois (BB-7) in the background. The sailors named the fleet after the crab. It is made up of fighting ships that were the pride of the Navy during the Spanish-American war. The vessels are to be given a military funeral, dismantled and used as targets. Image and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo by Evening Star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 21 September 1919, Image 88, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
Atlantic Fleet3.46kPhiladelphia Navy Yard, Pennsylvania. Older warships in the Reserve Basin, circa 1919.
Very congested basin and the lack of a clearer view makes identifying vessels a challenge.
In the distance, beyond Kearsarge's (BB-5) mainmast, is the Alabama (BB-8). Also, the BB hidden behind Kentucky (BB-6) is likely the Maine (BB-10), based on the two circular control tops on her masts, but I can't see enough other details to confirm it.
At the left side of the photo, on the near side of the basin, Ohio (BB-12) is next to the pier with St Louis (C-20) outboard of her. To the right we have Kearsarge closer to the camera with Illinois (BB-7) beyond. Immediately aft of these two is Wisconsin (BB-9). Behind Wisconsin are Connecticut (BB-18) on the right and Louisiana (BB-19) as the next ship to the left.		Photo i.d. & text courtesy of Richard Jensen.
Photo courtesy of Ric Hedman.
Reserve Basin 812k Philadelphia Navy Yard, Pennsylvania, Warships in the Reserve Basin, 18 November 1919, as seen by a Evening Public Ledger photographer. Ships are (from left to right): Wisconsin (BB-9); Illinois (BB-7); Alabama (BB-8); a Pittsburgh class armored cruiser; two battleships, probably Connecticut class (BB-18 / 22 & 25); Stringham (DD-83); Craven (DD-70); Maury (DD-100); and Sigourney (DD-81). Photo # NH 42524, courtesy of the United States Naval Historical Center.
Reserve Basin1.03kPhiladelphia Navy Yard, Pennsylvania. Older warships in the Reserve Basin, 18 November 1919, as seen by a Evening Public Ledger photographer. Ships are (front row, left to right): Missouri (BB-11); one Connecticut class (BB-18 / 22 & 25), battleship; Michigan (BB-27); and Saint Louis (C-20). Those in the back row are (left to right): Maine (BB-10); Kentucky (BB-6);Kearsarge (BB-5); Indiana (BB-1); Massachusetts (BB-2); Iowa (BB-4); Wisconsin (BB-9); and Illinois (BB-7).Photo # NH 42525, courtesy of the United States Naval Historical Center.
BB-6
010778		864k Battleships photographed in December 1919 by the Evening Public Ledger Co. From left to right: Illinois (BB-7),Wisconsin (BB-9), Iowa (BB-4), Massachusetts (BB-2), Indiana (BB-1), Kearsarge (BB-5), Kentucky (BB-6) and Maine (BB-10). Photo NH-42523 from history.navy.mil
BB-6
010779		1.30k Battleships photographed in December 1919 by the Evening Public Ledger Co, Illinois (BB-7), on the left and Wisconsin (BB-9) on the right. Note the differences in rig. Photo NH-42522 from history.navy.mil
U-1111.2mU-111 showing the bridge at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, 8 April 1920.
In the background is the distinctive twin funnel belonging to an Illinois class (BB-7 / 9) battleship;
Illinois (BB-7); Alabama (BB-8) & Wisconsin (BB-9).
All three were docked there during this period; the Alabama & Wisconsin would be decommissioned the following month. 		Photo courtesy of Craig O'Neil.
Decommissioned - Last Years 1920-56
BB-7 Illinois
010722p		 3.79k Bows of battleships: The nearer one is most probably Illinois (BB-7) and the more distant one Minnesota (BB-22). Both were laid up at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, 23 September 1921. Photo loc.gov i.d. courtesy of Richard M. Jensen.
BB-7 IllinoisNRThis second line battleship of 11,552 tons, the Illinois (BB-7), replaces the 104 year old Granite State, as a training vessel for the New York Naval Militia. She carries eight 12 inch guns in her main battery & eighteen guns of lesser calibre in the secondary battery.Insert and text provided by Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
Photo from The New York Herald. [volume] (New York, N.Y.) 1920-1924, 23 October 1921, SECTION FIVE, Image 56, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-7
010724e		748kAdm. E.W. Eberle boards IX-15, ex-Illinois (BB-7), on 25 April 1924.Photo from the Bain News Service, Library of Congress Reproduction Number: LC-DIG-ggbain-36266.
Photo courtesy of loc.gov.
BB-7 Illinois 630k Theodore Roosevelt Jr. & Gov. Chase Templeton on ex-Illinois (BB-7), on 25 April 1924.
Rear Admiral Edward W. Eberle commanded Atlantic Fleet battleship divisions in 1919-21. He is boarding the ex-Illinois with his Staff. He is in the front of the line and I can not see his sleeve.		 Photo from the Bain News Service, Library of Congress Reproduction Number: LC-DIG-ggbain-36260.
Photo courtesy of loc.gov & submitted by Bill Gonyo.
BB-7
010724		627kTheodore Roosevelt Jr. leaving Illinois (BB-7).Photo from the Bain News Service, Library of Congress Reproduction Number: LC-DIG-ggbain-36258.
Photo courtesy of loc.gov.
Brooklyn
014824b		 2.07k Brooklyn Navy Yard, 18 July 1924. Top, left to right: transport Agamennon (Id. No. 3004),(ex-German liner Kaiser Willhelm II), two destroyers, two auxiliaries, an Omaha class cruiser, and an Eagle boat. A submarine is visible in drydock. Middle: an Omaha class cruiser, West Virginia (BB-48), and three destroyers. Across the pier from the destroyers, partially obscured by the covered shipbuilding ways, is what appears to be the predreadnought battleship ex-Illinois (BB-7), undergoing conversion to a floating armory for the New York Naval Militia. NARA photo from Record Group 18: Records of the Army Air Forces
Series: "Airscapes" of American and Foreign Areas
File Unit: New York - Docks-New York Harbor
Local ID: 18-AA-94-16
NAID: 68146206
Photo courtesy of catalog.archives.gov courtesy of Theodore Leverett.
BB-7 Illinois
010749		 NR This doesn't look much like the once stately battleship Illinois (BB-7), which was ordered scrapped to comply with the arms pact. She is being turned into a floating armory at the Brooklyn, N. Y., navy yard. Image and text provided by Connecticut State Library, Hartford, CT.
Photo from New Britain Herald. [volume] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 05 December 1924, Second Section, Image 28, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-7 Illinois
010725i		 NR NAVAL MILITIA DRILL HALL
The battleship ex-Illinois (BB-7) has been converted into a floating armory, and is shown being towed past the Brooklyn Bridge to its new home in the North River, New York, where it will serve as drill shed for the Naval Militia.		Image and text provided by State Historical Society of North Dakota.
Photo by The Bismarck Tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 08 January 1925, Image 2, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-7 Illinois
010740a		 NR The ex-Illinois (BB-7), now the (IX-15), commissioned in 1901, used with the battle fleet inthe World War, and later converted into a floating naval militia armory, in the Hudson River, N. Y., is again going to sea. It is being refitted as a training ship at a cost of $187,000 for use by the new Midshipmen Reserve, designed to train 5,000 officers. Image and text provided by Alaska State Library Historical Collections.
Photo by The Daily Alaska Empire. [volume] (Juneau, Alaska) 1926-1964, 13 August 1940, Image 8, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.
BB-7 Illinois
010703		 1.10k (RPPC) of (IX-15), ex-Illinois (BB-7) 1937. USN photo courtesy of David Wright.
Prairie State 663k Prairie State (IX-15), ex-Illinois (BB-7) tied up, probably at New York, during the 1940s. Lot-4691-18, courtesy of the Library of Congress from the National Museum of the U.S. Navy, via flickr.com.
BB-7 Illinois 63k Prairie State (IX-15), ex-Illinois (BB-7) tied up, probably at New York, during the 1940s or early 1950s. Photo # NH 67629, courtesy of the United States Naval Historical Center.
Prairie State 673k Prairie State (IX-15), ex-Illinois (BB-7) is towed from her pier at the foot of 25th Street and the East River to the Brooklyn Navy Yard where she will await final disposition, 21 March 1956.Photo by Bettmann via Getty Images courtesy of gettyimages.com.
BB-7 Illinois 623k Newspaper articles on the fate of the Prairie State (IX-15), ex-Illinois (BB-7) 7 April 1956.Photo courtesy of Ron Reeves (of blessed memory) HTC (ret.)
(NISMF)371kA guest studies a painting depicting the history of battleships. The artwork was painted by George Skybeck and presented to the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association during their annual banquet at Honolulu, Hawaii, on 8 December 1991. USN photo # DN-SC-92-05391, by PHC Carolyn Harris, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.
Commanding Officers
01CAPT. Converse, George Albert, USN (USNA 1865) :RADM16.09.1901 - 27.10.1902BB-7
02CAPT. Bradford, Royal Bird, USN (USNA 1865)27.10.1903 - 07.11.1904BB-7
03CAPT. Rodgers, John Augustus, USN (USNA 1868)07.11.1904 - 20.06.1906BB-7
04CAPT. Blockinger, Gottfried, USN (USNA 1868)20.06.1906 - 25.11.1907BB-7
05CAPT. Bowyer, John Marshall, USN (USNA 1874) :RADM25.11.1907 - 24.08.1909BB-7
 Decommissioned24.08.1909 - 11.10.1911 
06CDR. Latimer, Julius Lane, USN (USNA 1890)11.10.1911 - 01.07.1912BB-7
07CDR. Chandler, Lloyd Horowitz, USN (USNA 1888) :RADM01.07.1912 - 04.12.1912BB-7
08CAPT. Wood, Spencer Shepard, USN (USNA 1882) :RADM04.12.1912 - 05.11.1913BB-7
09CDR. Latimer, Julius Lane, USN (USNA 1890)05.11.1913 - 14.05.1914BB-7 also BB-5, BB-6, BB-8
10CAPT. Price, Henry Bertrand, USN (USNA 1893)14.05.1914 - 30.09.1914BB-7
11LT. Howe, William Bingham, USN (USNA 1906)30.09.1914 - 17.12.1914BB-7
12LT. Wolleson, Edwin Armin, USN (USNA 190617.12.1914 - 04.02.1915BB-7 also BB-11
12CDR. Lyon, Frank, USN (USNA 1894)04.02.1915 - 08.04.1915BB-7
14CDR. Hinds, Alfred Walton, USN (USNA 1894)08.04.1915 - 01.05.1915BB-7
15CDR. Traut, Frederick Augustus, USN (USNA 1892)01.05.1915 - 07.06.1915BB-7 also BB-9
16CDR. Twining, Nathan Crook, USN (USNA 1889) :RADM07.06.1915 - 14.08.1917BB-7
17CAPT. Symington, Powers, USN (USNA 1892)14.08.1917 - 07.02.1919BB-7
18CAPT. Jeffers, William Nicholson, USN (USNA 1900)07.02.1919 - 15.05.1920BB-7
50CAPT. Gillies, Louis Archibald, USN :RADM25.10.1940 - 00.06.1941IX-15
51CAPT. Gillies, Louis Archibald, USN :RADM02.01.1946 - 31.05.1949IX-15
Courtesy Wolfgang Hechler
Additional Illinois Images
5 General Views Of Illinois From The Library Of Congress Server.
USS ILLINOIS BB-7 History
View This Vessels DANFS History Entry
(Located On The Hazegray & Underway Web Site, This Is The Main Archive For The DANFS Online Project.)
Crew Contact And Reunion Information
Not applicable to this ship
Additional Resources
Hazegray & Underway Battleship Pages By Andrew Toppan.
Back To The Main Photo Index Back To The Battleship Photo Index Page

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