USS "Texas" was a Pre-dreadnought battleship built by the United States in the early 1890s. The first American battleship commissioned, she was built in reaction to the acquisition of modern armored warships by several South American countries, and meant to incorporate the latest developments in naval tactics and design. This includes the mounting of her main armament "en echelon" to allow maximum end-on fire and a heavily-armored citadel amidships to ensure defensive strength. However, due to the state of U.S. industry at the time, "Texas's" building time was lengthy, and by the time she was commissioned, she was already out of date. Nevertheless, she and the armored cruiser were considered advancements in American naval design.