USS Georgia (BB-15), which launched in 1904, is the only Bath-built battleship and was the largest ship built on the Kennebec until the 1960s. During sea trials, Georgia achieved 19.26 knots, making her the fastest battleship in the U.S. Navy. This news was cause for celebration. The returning heroes were greeted by 300 people and a band onboard a river steamer. Cannons were fired, church bells rung and steam whistles were blown. Once moored, the crew and shipbuilders were celebrated with fireworks and a parade that included, by some accounts, 1,000 marchers.
