The five ships named USS Atlanta in photos

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Flashback photos: The USS Atlanta, 1864-1980

There have been five ships named for Atlanta. The third and most storied of these ships is designated CL-51.

The final resting place of the USS Atlanta (CL-51).

Former Atlanta mayor Ivan Allen Jr., stands with Vice-Adm. George E.R. Kinnear II after giving him a petition asking that a new Navy ship be named Atlanta. The petition, by the city of Atlanta and the Metro Atlanta Council of the Navy League, was presented at the Atlanta Historical Society headquarters Sunday. On the right is a painting of the former cruiser U.S.S. Atlanta, which was lost during a World War II battle at Guadalcanal. The painting is the work of Marietta artist at the John Ficklen. (State Photo/Dwight Ross Jr.) 1979

Atlanta, Ga.: Big moment of the cruiser bond rally at the Auditorium Friday night came with Margaret Mitchell, who christened the old cruiser Atlanta and will christen the new one, drew the curtain and unveiled pictures of President Roosevelt, the cruiser and two flags, one of them the Stars and Stripes and the other the Stars and Bars that flew from the Confederate ram Atlanta. The new ship couldn't be a better ship than the old -'lets pray to God it will be a luckier one,' she said. Standing as the national anthem is played are (left to right): Chief Justice Charles S. Reid, Secretary Knox, Mayor Hartsfield, Miss Mitchell, (holding the sash with which she pulled the curtain); Ted Gamble, representing Secretary Morgenthau; Marion Allen, Mrs. Allen, and Bill Smith, who fought on the Atlanta. (March, 1943)

Dec. 2, 1946 - Atlanta, Ga.: Years after the USS Atlanta sank at Guadalcanal, Captain Henry C. Davis presents the flag from the light cruiser to mayor William B. Hartsfield and Margaret Mitchell Marsh. PHOTO CREDIT: AJC Staff

Four Los Angeles-class nuclear-powered attack submarines display ensigns and union jacks during the commissioning ceremony for their sister ship, the USS SALT LAKE CITY (SSN 716). Moored together at a pier are the USS BATON ROUGE (SSN 689), the USS ATLANTA (SSN 712), the USS BIRMINGHAM (SSN 695), and the USS NORFOLK (SSN 714).

Feb. 1943 - NEW 'CRUISER' ATLANTA BEGINS TO TAKE FORM - This huge sign atop the building at 2 1/2 Whitehall Street will keep Atlantians apprised of the progress of their campaign to buy $35,750,000 worth of War Bonds for a new cruiser Atlanta. An addition will be placed as each $2,000,000 worth of bonds for the cruiser comes through. In all, there are 15 pieces to the 40-foot model, each worth $2,000,000, so to speak.

Jan. 1949 - Margaret Mitchell and model of ship USS Atlanta, with Mayor William B. Hartsfield and Robert Gregg of U.S. Steel Corp. (Kenneth Rogers/AJC staff)

Atlanta, Ga.: Margaret Mitchell buys a $5,000 bond to help build a new cruiser 'Atlanta.' Author who christened the gallant ship that was lost makes purchase from Mrs. Don. A. Cassil.

Copy of undated photo of submarine USS Atlanta. (Special to the AJC)

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