Great White Fleet 1908

"Our Bob"

Robley D. Evans "Fighting Bob"

While serving with the Union Navy in January 1865 Evans was very seriously wounded at Fort Fisher, North Carolina during the American Civil War.  Because of his serious legs wounds he was approached by a surgeon who suggested amputation. Evans pulled out a pistol from under his pillow and said he would shoot at the first sign of a surgeon’s saw.  The surgeon concluded that Evans would die and did not amputate.  Evans survived.  However, his leg wounds left him with a limp and severe pain for the rest of his life. 

Later, while serving in the Pacific his tough stance during a crisis with Chile in 1891 and 1892 won him the popular nickname "Fighting Bob."  In 1908 he led Great White Fleet around South America to California. He was affectionately known as “Gimpy Evans” by the crews of the ships under his command because of his limp.  However, ill health forced him to relinquish command of the fleet in May 1908 in San Francisco.  He died in 1912. 

From the collection of Jack Daley

"San Francisco Celebrates"
Postcard Image Gallery:

1. Great White Fleet
1908

2. Portola Festival
1909

3. California Adm. Day
1910

4. Pan. - Pac. Int. Expo.
1915

5. Golden Gate Int. Expo.
1939-1940

Last updated: 09/16/2007 02:34:08 AM -0400
Jack Daley, Webmaster