Attributed to Amos Doolittle
(American, 1754-1832)
The Columbus, 1800
Probably New Haven, Connecticut
Engraving with hand coloring
Lent by the Chipstone Foundation, 1977.8

During the Revolutionary War, America relied on French naval support. The newly-formed United States government decided it would be wise to construct ships of its own and founded the Department of the Navy in 1798. This print announced the commission of the Columbus and emphasized its capacity for munitions and men. However, the Columbus was not actually built until 1819.