USS Niagara (1898)

The third USS "Niagara" was a distilling and supply ship that served in the United States Navy during the Spanish-American War.

Acquisition

"Niagara" was a steamer built by John Roach and Sons, Chester, Pennsylvania in 1877. The U.S. Navy acquired her from Ward Line Steamship Company on 11 April 1898 for service in the Spanish-American War. Fitted out as a distilling and supply ship of the Collier Service, she commissioned at New York, New York, on 11 April 1898, Commander G. A. Bicknell in command.

Operational History

"Niagara" departed New York on 25 April 1898 for the Caribbean Sea via Norfolk, Virginia, and Key West, Florida. During the Spanish-American War she served the fleet off Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Haiti. The ship returned to Hampton Roads, Virginia, on 26 May 1898.

She departed Hampton Roads on 30 May 1898, again bound for ports in Cuba and Puerto Rico. "Niagara" remained on station in the Caribbean Sea until 24 July 1898 when she departed Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, for New York, arriving 3 September 1898.

Final Disposition

"Niagara" remained at New York until she decommissioned on 14 October 1898. She was sold on 19 July 1899.

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