The
MIHPF intends to display the OLYMPIA in Historic Dry Dock #1 at the former
Mare Island Naval Shipyard in Vallejo California.
The
Olympia in Historic Mare Island Dry Dock #1 Circa 1895
Mare
Island has a historic connection to the OLYMPIA as it is was the location where
from which the OLYMPIA was fitted out subsequent to launch. The OLYMPIA departed
Mare Island on the morning of August 25, 1895 at 5:30 in the morning on her
way to the Asiatic Station and her date with destiny. The OLYMPIA can be displayed
at this site out-of-water in the historic dry-dock 1 which is listed on the
National Park Services Register of Historic Places. An out of water display
would minimize the expenses and disruption related to hull repairs required
for in water displays.
The
display of a historic ship in Mare Island’s Historic Dry Dock #1 was embraced
by the City of Vallejo’s 1994 Reuse Plan and has been an integral part of planning
for the reuse of Mare Island ever since.
MINS Historic Dry Dock #1
When
OLYMPIA arrived at Mare Island Navy Yard in 1892, it was one of the first Navy
warships to be docked in the recently completed (1891) Dry Dock #1.