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DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY -- NAVAL HISTORICAL CENTER
805 KIDDER BREESE SE -- WASHINGTON NAVY YARD
WASHINGTON DC 20374-5060

Online Library of Selected Images:
-- PEOPLE -- TOPICS --

African-Americans and the U.S. Navy -- 1900 to 1917

The first decades of the Twentieth Century brought increasing restrictions on the role of African-Americans in American society. The Navy was no exception. Though the enlisted rates remained generally open to men of all races, African-Americans were being actively pushed into servant roles. This page, and that covering the period from World War I to World War II, feature pictures that represent this trend.

For further pictorial coverage, see the African Americans and the U.S. Navy cover page.

If you want higher resolution reproductions than the Online Library's digital images, see "How to Obtain Photographic Reproductions."

Click on the small photograph to prompt a larger view of the same image.

The following pictures show African-Americans in Navy scenes, afloat and ashore, including some civilian Navy employees.

Photo #: NH 83564

"Lige"

Valet to Captain Albert Gleaves, USN, Commanding Officer of USS Saint Louis (C-20), circa 1909.
He is standing by one of the ship's 6"/50 guns.

Courtesy of the Naval Historical Foundation; Collection of Rear Admiral Albert Gleaves.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

Online Image: 69KB; 590 x 620 pixels

 
Photo #: NH 95226

Orchestra of the Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Atlantic Fleet

On board USS Wyoming (BB-32) in 1912-13.

Courtesy of Commander Donald J. Robinson, USN(Retired), 1983.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

Online Image: 66KB; 740 x 470 pixels

 
Photo #: NH 95636

Naval Aviation Camp, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba

Camp personnel, circa January-March 1913, during Naval aviation's first fleet "deployment". Officers present are (left-to-right):
Lieutenant(Junior Grade) Patrick N.L. Bellinger, USN;
First Lieutenant Bernard L. Smith, USMC;
First Lieutenant Alfred A. Cunningham, USMC;
Lieutenant John H. Towers, USN;
Ensign Victor D. Herbster, USN;
Ensign William D. Billingsley, USN;
Ensign Godfrey deC. Chevalier, USN.
Note goat and dog mascots and canvas hangar with a Curtiss "A" type airplane inside.

Courtesy of the Naval Historical Foundation; Collection of Commander Theodore G. Ellyson.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

Online Image: 93KB; 740 x 440 pixels

 
Photo #: NH 91202

USS New Jersey (BB-16)

Four sailors of the ship's landing party, with cartridge belts and M1903 rifles, March 1915.
They are identified as (left-to-right): Bell, Johnson, Thomas and Marshall.
Note base of one of New Jersey's "cage" masts behind them.

Donated by Lieutenant Colonel Elton M. Manuel, 1979.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

Online Image: 93KB; 740 x 500 pixels

 
Photo #: NH 93375

Washington Navy Yard, District of Columbia

Staff of the Navy Yard's Construction and Repair Department, circa the early 1900s.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

Online Image: 123KB; 740 x 585 pixels

 


For further pictorial coverage, see the African Americans and the U.S. Navy cover page.

Return to Naval Historical Center home page.

23 November 1998