USS Charleston (C-2)

For other ships with the same name, see USS Charleston.

USS Charleston at Hong Kong, 1898
History
United States
NameCharleston
Namesake
BuilderUnion Iron Works, San Francisco
Laid down20 January 1887
Launched19 July 1888
Sponsored byMrs. A. S. Smith
Commissioned26 December 1889
Decommissioned27 July 1896
Recommissioned5 May 1898
IdentificationHull symbol:C-2
FateGrounded 2 November 1899 near Camiguin Island, Philippines and abandoned
General characteristics
TypeProtected cruiser
Displacement3,730 long tons (3,790 t)
Length320 ft (97.5 m)
Beam46 ft (14.0 m)
Draft18 ft 6 in (5.64 m)
Installed power
Propulsion2 × screws
Speed19 knots (35 km/h; 22 mph) designed
Range2,990 nmi (5,540 km; 3,440 mi) at 10 kn (19 km/h; 12 mph)
Complement34 officers, 296 men, 30 Marines
Armament
Armor
Service record
Commanders:
Operations:

The second USS Charleston (C-2) was a United States Navy protected cruiser — the fourth US protected cruiser to be built. Lacking experience in building steel cruisers, the design was purchased from the British company Armstrong, Mitchell and Co. of Newcastle, the construction to be by an American shipyard. In design, she succeeded the "ABC" cruisers Atlanta, Boston, and Chicago with better protection, higher speed, and similar armament.[1][2]

She was launched on 19 July 1888 by Union Iron Works, San Francisco, California, sponsored by Mrs. A. S. Smith, and commissioned on 26 December 1889, Captain George C. Remey in command.[3]

  1. ^ Gardiner and Chesneau, p. 151
  2. ^ Bauer and Roberts, pp. 142-143
  3. ^ "Charleston II (C-2)". Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. Navy Department, Naval History and Heritage Command. 30 June 2015. Retrieved 24 November 2015.