[Three Views of the ‘New’ U.S. Naval Academy]

Visualizing Ernest Flagg’s ambitious plans for a redesigned Naval Academy.

This trio of dreamlike illustrations was originally created by artist Hughson Hawley in 1899. They depict different views of the sweeping Beaux-Arts remodeling of the U.S. Naval Academy as envisioned by architect Ernest Flagg. By the late 19th century, the historic Annapolis institution was in dire need of extensive renovation. Its heavily used facilities were literally falling apart, prompting Flagg to spend three years, without compensation, developing an ambitious plan for replacement buildings based on his recent training at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. Construction began in 1899, and the first granite-clad buildings were occupied a few years later. Only a portion of Flagg’s grand plan was ultimately realized, however; numerous elements depicted here, including the boathouse, amphitheatre, gymnasium, and science building, were never built.

Source: U.S. Naval Academy