Minnewaska was one of six Atlantic Transport Line ships obtained for service as transports during the war and was assigned to Army Transport Service's Atlantic fleet. The ship was purchased on 26 July 1898 for $660,000, renamed Thomas after General George Henry Thomas, a hero of the American Civil War battle of Chickamauga.
Minnewaska, one of six ships acquired by Atlantic Transport Line for military use during the war, was assigned to Army Transport Service's Atlantic fleet. The vessel was purchased on July 26, 1898, for $660,000 and renamed Thomas in honor of General George Henry Thomas, a Civil War hero from the Chickamauga battle.