Squadron of Evolution

File:Chicago. Leading the Squadron of Evolution, 1889 - NARA - 512952.tif

Chicago leading the squadron, 1889

The Squadron of Evolution—sometimes referred to as the "White Squadron"— was a transitional unit in the United States Navy, during the late 19th century. The squadron was composed of the protected cruisers USS Atlanta, USS Boston, USS Chicago, and dispatch boats USS Dolphin, USS Bennington and USS Yorktown. Rear Admiral John G. Walker served as its Commander with Chicago as his flagship. Having both full rigged masts and steam engines, it was influential in the beginning of steel shipbuilding in the United States.

In 1891, the White Squadron commenced a tour of the Great Lakes that was commemorated in an album by Woolson Spice Co. At that time, the White Squadron consisted of the cruiser USS Philadelphia under the command of Captain Frederick Rodgers, the USS Charleston under the command of Captain George C. Remey, USS Baltimore under the command of Captain Winfield S. Schley, USS Boston under the command of Captain Gilbert C. Wise, USS Vesuvius under the command of Lieutenant Seaton Schroeder, the torpedo boat USS Cushing under Lieutenant Cameron McR. Winslow, USS Petrel under the command of Lieutenant-Commander M. R. S. McKenzie, USS Atlanta under the command of Captain John W. Philip, and USS Chicago under the command of Captain Joseph N. Miller. Some of the ships had other squadron assignments, prior to the 1891 cruise.

Bibliography

• Leader, Henry G. The story of the USS Boston. [n.p., 1946?]. OCLC 51732066.
• Rentfrow, James C. Home Squadron: The U.S. Navy on the North Atlantic Station. Annapolis, Maryland : Naval Institute Press, 2014. ISBN 1-61251-447-2 OCLC 865711810
• The White Squadron. [Toledo, Ohio]: Woolson Spice Co., 1891. OCLC 45112425
• The White squadron of the U S Navy. New York : James Clarke Publisher, 1894. OCLC 50490393.
• The White Squadron : armed cruisers, U.S.N.. New York : International Art Publ. Co, [ 18--]. OCLC 271460419.