USS Bancroft (1892)

The USS "Bancroft" was a United States Navy steel gunboat, launched April 30 1892 and commissioned March 3 1893.

Bancroft was designated as a practice ship for the United States Naval Academy midshipmen and stationed at Annapolis, Maryland. During 1893-96 she cruised along the east coast visiting various shipyards with groups of midshipmen embarked. In September 1896 she sailed to join the European Squadron and for the next year and a half protected American interests in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Called home when Congress declared war upon Spain, Bancroft reached Boston, Massachusetts, April 4 1898 and served with the North Atlantic Squadron between May 9 and August 9. She convoyed troop transports to Cuba and was on blockade duty at Havana and the Isle of Pines. On July 28, Bancroft seized a small schooner.

Bancroft returned to Boston September 2 and was placed out of commission September 30 1898. After being recommissioned August 14 1900, she cruised in Colombian waters November 26, 1900 - February 12, 1901 making surveys. Returning to Boston April 29, 1901, she went out of commission May 25 1901. Recommissioned October 6 1902 she served until 1905 as a station ship at San Juan, Puerto Rico, cruising in the West Indies and patrolling the area. Bancroft was transferred to the Revenue Cutter Service June 30 1906.

References

*DANFS|http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/b2/bancroft-i.htm