The Fleet's tranis of the Magellan Straits was the largest completed to date and presented the most hazardous condition of navigation for the entire cruise.

Magellan Strait, Brown and Schaffer

The postcard at left was issued at the end of the cruise by H. H. Stratton, which issued the most complete set of cards documenting the world cruise.  The fleet anchored in Possession Bay January 31st to February 1st.

The Fleet's transit through the straits is best documented by the famous painting of Henry Reuterdahl.  Titled " U.S. Fleet in the Straits of Magellan on the Morning of Feb 5, 1908.  

At right:  fleet steaming through the Straits from the USS Georgia.

The painting was originally started with the Chilian Cruiser Chacabuco at the lead.  (see postcard above) The Chacabuco led the Fleet through the Straits, but it was decided that an American ship should be shown at the head of the formation and Henry changed his painting to eliminate the Chacabuco.