U.S. Battleship Alabama - (BB 8)

USS ALABAMA

Act of 10 June 1896:

"... . The President is hereby authorized to have constructed by contract three seagoing coast-line battle ships designed to carry the heaviest armor and most powerful ordnance upon a displacement of about eleven thousand tons, to have the highest practicable speed for vessels of their class, and to cost, exclusive of armament, not exceeding three million seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars each; ... Not more than two of said battle ships ... shall be built in one yard or by one contracting party, ... Premiums ... are not to be offered, In all their parts said vessels shall be of domestic manufacture; ... Not more than one seagoing battle ship shall be built on or near the coast of the Pacific Ocean... "

BB 8 ALABAMA

Built at Wm. Cramp and Sons, Philadelphia, Pa.
Keel laid 12/2/96, Commissioned 10/16/00

Capt. W. H. Brownson commanding

Designed Complement:

Officers.: 40 (BB 7-8);
Enlisted.: 496

BB 7-8

Length Overall: 374' (BB 8);

Armament:

Main :
(4) 13"/35
(14) 6"/40
Secondary:
(16) 6 pdr.
(6) 1 pdr.
(4) .30 cal.

Torpedo Tubes: (4) 18" surface

Armor: Max. Thickness: 16.5"

Designed Speed: 16

Designed Indicated Horsepower: 10,000
Engines: Manufacturer: Cramp (BB 8);
Type: Vert. 3 Exp. Recip.
Boilers: Manufacturer: Cramp (BB 8);
Type: FT;
No.: 8
Fuel (coal): Tons: 1355 (BB 8);

Postcards from collection of Charles Jacobus

The US Battleship Alabama was commissioned in 1900, was stricken and decommissioned in 1920.

Comments or questions to Cheryl Morris