Northern Neck Fishing Steamers Go to War, Turning Fishboats into Warships

Name/Title

Northern Neck Fishing Steamers Go to War, Turning Fishboats into Warships

Entry/Object ID

940.4516 Covington

Description

In 1917 eight wooden-hull, steam-powered fishing boats from the Northern Neck of Virginia were "conscripted" into service by the U. S. Navy, equipped with cannons, and sent on a journey across the Atlantic Ocean to France, where they patrolled for submarines, swept for mines, and rescued fellow ships and sailors under perilous conditions.