105- The Queen of the Pacific: The Story of the USS Olympia

The History Of The Evergreen State

The USS Olympia is a historical warship with a rich and storied past. It is best known as the flagship of Commodore George Dewey during the Spanish-American War, specifically for its pivotal role in the Battle of Manila Bay.
The USS Olympia (C-6) is an armored cruiser of the United States Navy and was commissioned on the 5th of February, 1895. It was constructed at the Union Iron Works in San Francisco, California, and was the lead ship of its class. Designed by the renowned naval architect William Cramp & Sons in Philadelphia, the Olympia represented the epitome of naval technology during its time, incorporating advanced features like a steel hull, armor plating, and a steam turbine propulsion system.
The most significant moment in the history of the USS Olympia came during the Spanish-American War in 1898. On the 1st of May, 1898, under the command of Commodore George Dewey, the Olympia led a squadron of American warships into Manila Bay in the Philippines to confront the Spanish Pacific Squadron. The subsequent Battle of Manila Bay resulted in a decisive victory for the United States, as Dewey's fleet defeated and effectively destroyed the Spanish fleet, securing American control over the Philippines.
Following its triumph in Manila Bay, the Olympia became a symbol of American naval power and was celebrated across the nation. Commodore Dewey, who became an instant national hero, received widespread accolades for his victory. The ship returned to the United States and received a hero's welcome, with parades and ceremonies held in honor of the crew and their historic achievement.
The USS Olympia continued to serve in various roles, including training, diplomatic missions, and patrolling. It saw action in other conflicts, such as the Boxer Rebellion in China (1900) and World War I. Over time, however, the ship's condition deteriorated, and there were discussions about scrapping it.
Due to its historical significance and its role as the last surviving vessel of the Battle of Manila Bay, efforts were made to preserve the USS Olympia as a museum ship. In 1957, it was designated a National Historic Landmark. However, despite preservation efforts, the ship's condition continued to decline until it was ultimately saved from scrapping in 1996.
Today, the USS Olympia is part of the Independence Seaport Museum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Visitors can explore the ship and learn about its remarkable history and its pivotal role in shaping American naval power during the Spanish-American War. It stands as a reminder of the bravery and valor of its crew and the importance of preserving historical artifacts that played significant roles in shaping the course of history.
Listen now to learn more about the history of the Navy ship that got its name for our state's capital!
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