The USS Delaware

If you are interested in Delaware history, Naval history, or silver from the early 20th century, you will find an interesting exhibit at the Delaware Public Archives in Dover, Delaware.

There were 6 ships named Delaware, starting with the first Delaware, a frigate, built under the 13 December 1775 order of the Continental Congress in the yard of Warwick Coates of Philadelphia, Pa.

The second Delaware was built in 1794 as the merchant ship Hamburgh Packet in Philadelphia, Pa., and purchased by the Navy 5 May 1798. Captain S. Decatur, Sr., was appointed to command and outfit her for sea.  

The third Delaware, a ship-of-the-line, was laid down at Norfolk Navy Yard in August 1817 and launched 21 October 1820.

The fourth Delaware, a side wheel steamer, was built in 1861 at Wilmington, Del.; purchased by the Navy 14 October 1861, Lieutenant S. P. Quackenbush in command.

The fifth Delaware Piscataque, a screw-steamer, was renamed Delaware 15 May 1869.

The sixth Delaware (BB-28), the one whose accoutrements we see in the Archives exhibit, was launched  February 6, 1909 by Newport News Shipbuilding Co., Newport News, Va.; sponsored by Mrs. A. P. Cahall, niece of the Governor of Delaware; and commissioned 4 April 1910, Captain C. A. Gove in command.

After visiting Wilmington, Delaware, from 3 to 9 October 1910, to receive a gift of a silver service from the state, the Delaware sailed from Hampton Roads 1 November with the First Division, Atlantic Fleet, to visit Weymouth, England, and Cherbourg, France.  This gorgeous silver service includes the 2 pictured pieces, a punch bowl, and a centerpiece.  It's hard to imagine a present day crew having a reception on a ship with their libations poured with a silver ladle on a table with a centerpiece overflowing with flowers and lit with candles (but then I don't know a lot about what goes on in present day ships). Anyway, go see the exhibit and enjoy!!