USS Illinois (BB-7, later USS Prairie State IX-15)

CLICK HERE FOR PICTURES OF USS ILLINOIS

USS Illinois was laid down in 1897, as one of a class of three battleship. These vessels were the first US battleships to have decent seagoing qualities, because of the weight saved by omitting the intermediate battery. The US Navy had determined that the intermediate guns achieved little other than complicating ammunition supply, so the secondary guns were increased to 6" and the 8" guns were eliminated. This class of ships was also the first to abandon the old-style round turrets, and had unique side by side funnels, a result of the placement of the boilers back to back along the center of the ship to ease coal supply from the bunkers. Known for their excellent steaming qualities, good seakeeping, and stability as gun platforms, these ships were well liked in US service.

USS Illinois was part of the Great White Fleet, and was modified in 1912 with cage main masts and new boilers. She was placed in reserve that same year, but was used for Midshipman's training cruises in 1913 and 1914. Inactive during WWI due to her age, she was used as an accommodation ship from 1917 to 1919, then placed in reserve for the last time. In 1921 loaned to the New York State Naval Militia as a floating armory. In 1924 she she was rendered incapable of further military service, designated as a Miscellaneous Unclassified Auxiliary, and housed over for use as an accommodation ship. She served in this capacity until WWII, being given the designation IX-15 in January 1941. At that same time she was renamed Prairie State, to free up the name Illinois for a new Iowa Class battleship, which was cancelled before completion. During World War II she served as a U. S. Naval Reserve Midshipmen Training School at New York. Following the war, she was again loaned to the State as quarters for a Naval Reserve unit until December 31, 1956.

Early in 1956 a survey of the vessel was done to determine if the state wished to retain the vessel past the end of that year. She old ship, not having been drydocked in over 30 years, was found to be in decent shape, but the expense of repairs was more than the state wanted to pay. The Navy declined her return, and the ship was sold for scrap on May 18, 1956, to the Bethlehem Steel Co. She was towed to Baltimore and broken up after over 50 years of service.

BACK