The Great White Fleet returns to Hampton Roads

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Arrive Hampton Roads - February 22, 1909

On February 22nd, 1909, Washington's Birthday, the fleet arrived at Hampton Roads. It was met by President Roosevelt and their families and friends at the piers of Hampton Roads.

Souvinor of the Cruise Around the World sold in Hampton Roads upon the fleet's arrival. The scarf is approximately 20" x 20" and includes the fleet composition after it left San Francisco for the Pacific. Images include Roosevelt, Sperry and his Division Admirals.

(Select image to see large photo)

PEACE VOYAGE

This was a great card issued for the fleet's return showing the admirals and the President, the port visits and the fleet.

Many of the cards I have found are from previous port visits or from the Chamberlin Hotel. Since the fleet now had ship cancellations, they are easy to spot!

I haven't found many items to celebrate this event. I'm sure if I lived in the Tidewater area I'd be doing better, so I'm hoping I'm going to mee someone to trade my Pudget Sound duplicates.

The fleet's arrial was met by Roosevelt on the presidenital yacht. It was an event that thoustands of people came to experence, the return of the fleet as they came to anchorages in Hampton Roads. The Mayflower was rigged for dress ship as shown in the photo to the right.

At left: a watch fob issued for the return of the fleet.

select image to see foll-out

These cards were available for the fleet sailors and the visitors upon their return. Uncle Sam played a prominent roll in the advertisement of the fleet on several of these cards. At left Admiral Sperry Joins President Roosevelt, at right Admiral Evans.

The above cards were mailed by sailors upon their return to Hampton Roads shortly after their arrival on the 22nd.

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