The USS SARATOGA, originally known as the USS NEW YORK, was authorized by Congress in 1888. Her keel was laid down on Sept 19, 1890. She was launched on Dec 2, 1891. She was finally commissioned on Aug 1, 1893. She was classed as an armored cruiser.
In Jan 1905, the USS NEW YORK was decommissioned for overhaul. In 1909, she was recommissioned and served briefly with the Armored Cruiser Squadron in the Mediterranean, and then operated out of various ports until being put into reserve at the end of the year.
She was fully recommissioned in 1910 and steamed for Manila to rejoin the Asiatic Fleet. In Feb 1911, she was renamed the USS SARATOGA, to free up her former name for a new battleship. She returned to the United States in 1916, and was temporarily placed in reserve at Bremerton, WA
