USS Colorado Ship’s Bell

Research by our Committee and friends revealed that the ship’s bell from the original 3 masted steam frigate USS Colorado was stored by the US Navy’s Heritage and History Command at a warehouse in Virginia. Additionally that bell was also used on the second USS Colorado (ACR 7).

The University of Colorado at Boulder has been designated as the official repository of memorabilia from the battleship USS Colorado (BB 45) which saw service in World War II. Currently that bell along with the helm and other items are on display at the University Memorial Center (UMC) on campus.

After discovery of the existence of the first bell, the university initiated a request to have the bell loaned by the navy to the UMC to accompany the battleship’s bell. After a number of emails on the subject, the Navy has agreed to the loan and is shipping the bell to Colorado.

The bell weighs 832 pounds and measures 42″W x 34.5″H x 35.5″D.

The bell is departing Virginia area tomorrow and, barring any unforeseen road delay, is scheduled to arrive in time for Veteran’s Day.