The inspiration behind Katahdin was Rear Admiral Daniel Ammen, an advocate of a coastal defense navy.

[2] Katahdin's design was a new departure in naval architecture, built to ride extremely low in the water with her bow awash while under way.

Conditions aboard the ship were extremely uncomfortable, as it was cramped and had very poor ventilation, leading to almost intolerable temperatures being recorded.

[3] Katahdin departed New York Harbor 4 March 1897, the day of President William McKinley's first inauguration, and sailed to Norfolk, Virginia, before decommissioning at Philadelphia Naval Yard on 17 April.

After decisive American naval victories at Manila Bay and Santiago Harbor eliminated this threat, the ram decommissioned for the last time at Philadelphia Navy Yard on 8 October.