USS Olympia
The USS Olympia is a National Historic Landmark positioned along the waterfront of Philadelphia. The rich maritime history of this proud naval vessel played a pivotal role in shaping the course of American history.
Commissioned in 1895, the USS Olympia holds an illustrious place in American naval history as a celebrated protected cruiser. A product of the naval race leading up to the Spanish-American War, the USS Olympia was constructed at the Union Iron Works in San Francisco and launched on November 5, 1892. Serving as the flagship of Admiral George Dewey, the USS Olympia played a pivotal role in the Battle of Manila Bay in 1898, a conflict that marked the zenith of its illustrious career. The resounding victory catapulted the United States onto the world stage as a formidable naval power and solidified the USS Olympia's place in history as a symbol of American strength and determination.
Following its service in the Spanish-American War, the USS Olympia continued its naval duties, participating in various missions and campaigns. It served as a training ship during World War I and underwent several modifications to adapt to changing naval technologies. Eventually decommissioned in 1922, the USS Olympia found its way to Philadelphia, where it became a museum ship in 1957. Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1966, the USS Olympia remains a captivating relic, providing visitors with a tangible link to a bygone era and a profound connection to the events that shaped the nation's naval heritage.
Address: 211 S Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106