Triton I
Triton I
(Tug: dp. 212; Ibp. 96'9"; b. 20'9"; dr. 9' (mean);
8. 13 k.)
The first Triton—a steam-powered, steel-hulled tug constructed in 1889 at Camden, N.J., by J. H. Dialogue —was purchased by the Navy in September of 1889; and placed in commission soon thereafter.
The tug spent her entire career operating from the navy yard at Washington, D.C. She frequently steamed down the Potomac to the naval reservation at Indian Head, Md., which was home first to the Naval Proving Grounds in the 1890's and then to the Naval Powder Factory during the first half of the 20th century. In all probability, Triton conveyed barges laden with materials to be utilized in the testing of naval guns and in the production of gunpowder and explosives. During the year 1900 alone, she recorded 198 roundtrips between Washington and Indian Head. She continued to serve the Navy at Washington through World War I and into the 1920's. On 17 July 1921, the Navy designated her YT-10 in accordance with the new system of alphanumeric hull designations. She remained in service until early in 1930. Her name was struck from the Navy list on 19 May, and she was sold on 15 September.