From: Dictionary of American Fighting Ships

One of the rivers of New England which rises in Berkshire County, Mass., and flows southward into Connecticut before emptying into Long Island Sound a little east of Bridgeport.

(SP - 1697: dp. 7,620 n.; l. 405'1"; b. 48'; dr. 22'6"; s. 15k., cpl. 100; a. 1 5", 2 3", 2 mg.)

The second Housatonic was built in 1899 by Newport News Ship Building & Dry Dock Co., Norfolk, Va., and was acquired by the Navy from Southern Pacific Steam Ship Co., under the name El Rio. She commissioned 25 January 1918 and served as a mine planter in the 3d Naval District until decommissioning 5 August 1919 when she was returned to her owner.

Transcribed by Yves HUBERT (hubertypc@aol.com)