U.S.S. Connecticut Louisiana

Introducing the Connecticut-class battleship.

America’s victory in the Spanish-American War confirmed the notion that active ocean-going military capabilities were far superior to stationary coastal defenses. With new coaling stations across the Pacific, the Navy could focus on new, long-range battleships that would dominate the seas. The resulting design was deemed the Connecticut-class, and the first ship (the U.S.S Connecticut) would have its keel laid down in 1903. The U.S.S. Louisiana would soon follow and both ships were launched in 1904 and commissioned in 1906.

This relatively straightforward diagram, published in 1902 as part of the Report of the Chief of the Bureau of Construction and Repair, outlines an early proposed configuration of the new battleship class. The composite image shows outboard and inboard profiles, two deck plans, and a cross-section of the midship. The two primary gun batteries each contained two 12″ breech-loading cannons, while numerous small calibers were positioned on the decks, enclosed in casements, and even positioned above the main turrets. Accompanying text outlines various construction considerations, including expenses, materials, etc.

Source.