USS Fulton (SP-247)-- Part 2: A Minesweeper

This USS Fulton was built as a steel-hulled tug in 1909 by the Staten Island Shipbuilding Company at Port Richmond on Staten Island for the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad Co. to tow barges carrying rail cars.  It was named after inventor Robert Fulton who was being honored in New York City's Hudson-Fulton Celebration on the centennial of the development of practical steamship technology.

The Navy acquired her under charter on 30 April 1917 during World War I.  She was to be a minesweeper.  After arming with a single  1-pounder gun, she was commissioned  on 22 September 1917 with her two officers and 16 men assigned to the Third  Naval District.  On 11 April 1918 her official name was reduced to SP-247.

The Navy returned her to its previous owner, the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad on 12 August 1919.

Don't Need It Anymore.  --Cooter