Minneapolis represented the United States at European ceremonies and served as a diplomatic flagship before searching for Admiral Cervera's fleet during the Spanish-American War. In 1905 she carried scientists to observe a solar eclipse off Spain and Africa. Sending a cruiser with a collier and support vessel made the expedition a display of an independently sustained American squadron as well as a scientific mission. First World War convoy duty and later Pacific flagship service then gave an older ship practical wartime and postwar employment. Her mast survives near Lake Street in Minneapolis, while her bell remains in use at Minnetonka High School.
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USS Minneapolis combines diplomacy, science, and escort work
Minneapolis's career shows a prestige cruiser serving as diplomatic flagship, scientific platform, scout, convoy escort, and Pacific flagship.