Squadron of Evolution

The Squadron of Evolution—sometimes referred to as the "White Squadron"— was a transitional unit in the United States Navy, during the late 19th century. Composed of the protected cruisers USS Atlanta (1884), USS Boston (1884), USS Chicago (1885), and dispatch boats USS Dolphin (PG-24), USS Bennington (PG-4) and USS Yorktown (PG-1). Rear Admiral John G. Walker served as its Commander with the USS Chicago as his flagship. Having both full rigged masts and steam engines, it was influential in the beginning of steel shipbuilding in the United States.

In 1891, the White Squadron commenced a tour of the Great Lakes that was commemorated in an album by Woolson Spice Co. At that time, the White Squadron consisted of the USS Philadelphia (C-4) under the command of Captain Frederick Rodgers, the USS Charleston (C-2) under the command of Captain George C. Remey, USS Baltimore (C-3) under the command of Captain Winfield S. Schley, the USS Boston (1884) under the command of Captain Gilbert C. Wise, the USS Vesuvius (1888) under the command of Lieutenant Seaton Schroeder, the USS Cushing (TB-1) under the command of Lieutenant Cameron McR. Winslow, the USS Petrel (PG-2) under the command of Lieutenant-Commander M. R. S. McKenzie, the USS Atlanta (1884) under the command of Captain John W. Philip, and the USS Chicago (1885) under the command of Captain Joseph N. Miller. Some of the ships had other squadron assignments, prior to the 1891 cruise.