Old Sacramento in Sacramento County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

U.S.S. Sacramento 1914 – 1942

The Galloping Ghost of the China Coast

Photographed By Syd Whittle, February 24, 2009

1. U.S.S. Sacramento 1914 – 1942 Marker

Inscription. Brought into service in 1914 to join the United States “Great White Fleet”, dubbed such for the sparkling white paint used on naval ships at the time, she was in service 28 years and two world wars. A 226-foot gleaming white steam gunboat with a crew of 160, she earned her many names and associations.
In Japan she was called the “Sacramento Moru”, and in Central America she was part of the “Banana Fleet.” In 1919, she served in Murmansk, Russia, aiding refugees of the Russian Revolution. She later continued in that service in Vladivostok, in 1922. In 1923, she delivered humanitarian aid to Yokohama, Japan after a great earthquake. Similar service was rendered to Managua, Nicaragua in 1930after another earthquake near that city. So frequent were her voyages in the western Pacific, the USS Sacramento was nicknamed “The Galloping Ghost of the China Coast.”
In 1941, December 7th at Pearl Harbor, she was award a “Battle Star” for her defensive efforts. The USS Sacramento’s final posting was in San Francisco in 1942 as a weather ship.

Erected 1998 by Members of the Sacramento Valley Chapter American Merchant Marine Veterans (AMMV), their families and friends. This Chapter was founded 2/1/91.

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historical marker is listed in these topic lists: War, World I • War, World II • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical date for this entry is December 19, 1854.

Location. 38° 34.805′ N, 121° 30.428′ W. Marker is in Sacramento, California, in Sacramento County. It is in Old Sacramento. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Capital Mall and Front Street. Marker is located at the American Merchant Marines Monument, at the entrance to the River Front Promenade. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Sacramento CA 95814, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Sacramento’s Maritime Heritage (here, next to this marker); The United States Merchant Marine (here, next to this marker); U.S.S. Sacramento 1863 – 1867 (here, next to this marker); “Cobblestone” Ballast (here, next to this marker); Merchant Marine Monument (here, next to this marker); U.S.S. Sacramento – 1964 (here, next to this marker); USS Sacramento (PG-19) (here, next to this marker); The Interurban Railroad Lines (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sacramento.

Regarding U.S.S. Sacramento 1914 – 1942. Also see "Nearby Marker" the U.S.S. Sacramento
Photographed By Syd Whittle, February 24, 2009

2. U.S.S. Sacramento 1914 – 1942 Marker
Marker is located on back side of monument.
(PG-16) for additional information.

Also see . . . Sacramento (PG-19). (Submitted on February 25, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.)

The AMMV Plaza Memorial Committee Plaque at the Monument image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, February 24, 2009

3. The AMMV Plaza Memorial Committee Plaque at the Monument

The AMMV Plaza Memorial Committee Plaque and Flag Mast image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, February 24, 2009

4. The AMMV Plaza Memorial Committee Plaque and Flag Mast

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 25, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,911 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on February 25, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 26, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.