Celebrating the Centenary
Thursday 20 August 1908 witnessed the arrival of the United States of America fleet at Port Jackson, Sydney. This was part of a round the world cruise by the fleet which had originally set out on 16 December 1907.
The sixteen warships were painted white to denote peace. They would be known as The Great White Fleet. The flagship of the fleet was the Connecticut.
Programme of Events
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[NRS 4472]
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On arrival the fleet was given a tremendous welcome. Thursday 20 August 1908 was a public holiday and a week long celebration followed. Fleet Week celebrations and entertainments included the Official Landing and Public Reception, a review at Centennial Park, parades, luncheons, dinners, balls, concerts, theatre parties, sporting events such as boxing, football and baseball matches, a gymkhana including a tug-of-war and a regatta.
Buildings and streets were decorated and illuminated at night. There were daylight and night time fireworks displays.
Excursions were arranged for the Americans to visit Manly, Parramatta, Newcastle, The National Park, the Illawarra and the Blue Mountains.
The fleet stayed in Sydney until its departure for Melbourne on 27 August 1908.
Great White Fleet records from our collection
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Where you can find other records relating to the Great White Fleet
NRS 906 Chief Secretary, Special Bundles, Visit of the American Fleet, 1908 [4/967-69, 5/5228]
NRS 905 Chief Secretary, Letters Received, 1908 [5/6990, 5/6994, 5/6995]
NRS 4472 Government Printing Office, Miscellaneous invitations, 1882-1937 [X720]
NRS 13100 Government Transport correspondence files, 1902-38, US Fleet Visit, 1908 [8/1405]
NRS 4541 Governor, Letters from Consuls, Diplomats, Officials and private persons, 1906-36 [7/1638.1]
NRS 9852 Maritime Services Board, Information Files, US fleet Visit, 1908 [4/10606]
NRS 4255 Fire Brigades Board, Minutes Book [6/13083 pp.298, 338, 340,341 and 448]
Where else to view images of the Great White Fleet
Picture Australia has a great collection of images from Australia cultural institutions