The fleet's visit was carefully planned to avoid choosing sides in the up-coming conflict in Europe.  During their port visit a series of small earthquakes shook the buildings causing the planned festivities to be cancelled.  

The above group of cards are from the Frank Lesher Collection

The above card shows a group of villagers in traditional costumes.  The card was canceled on the day the the fleet's departure.  The postmark is from the British Post Office in Smyrnia.  It was sent to Santa Barbara, California.

The two cards above were mailed by M. J. Main, USS Virginia.  Both cards are dated January 14, 1909. The cards below from a shipmate, G. A. Carrol, USS Virginia, dated January 14, 1909.

The Frank Lesher Collection

The two cards above show scenes from Ephese, ancient Greek ruins near Smynra.  Both cards canceled onboard the USS Virginia while in port.

These real photo postcards are from the Brown & Schaffer set of photographs that were taken while the fleet was in Symrne.  Brown and Schaffer were crewmembers on the USS Georgia and most have found someway to aquire these photos from someone onboard one of the ships visiting Symrne.  In the views you can see sailors visiting the Castle on the hill (shown in an early card on this page) and to the ruins at Ephese.

Schroeder kept his men aboard for the three days of the quakes.  Smyrna was visited by the Virginia and Louisiana from January 12th to the 25th.  On January 22nd the Missouri and Ohio joined them staying until the 25th when the four ships departed for Gibraltar.