The Great White Fleet, 1908

Peace Mission

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.

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.

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]
  • Photo Investigator

Where else to view images of the Great White Fleet

Picture Australia has a great collection of images from Australia cultural institutions.

List of images (by record series) used in this Gallery

NRS 905, Chief Secretary, Letters Received [1908]

NRS 906 Chief Secretary, Special Bundles

NRS 4472, Government Printing Office, Miscellaneous invitations, 1882-1937, [X720]

NRS 4541 Governor, Letters from Consuls, Dipolmats, Officials and private persons, 1906-36

NRS 9852, Maritime Services Board, Information Files [US fleet Visit, 1908]

NRS 13100 Government Transport correspondence files, 1902-38 [US Fleet Visit, 1908]

NRS 13111, Special file re improvement of Government House Grounds, Cranbrook, 1905-18

NRS 15051 Department of Education Photographic Collection

NRS 18526, Glass plate negatives of North Shore, Sydney Harbour and general subjects