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 was one of six Atlantic Transport Line vessels acquired for military service during the war and assigned to Army Transport Service's Atlantic fleet. The ship was bought on July 26, 1898, for $660,000, renamed Thomas after General George Henry Thomas, a hero from the American Civil War battle of Chickamauga.