Battleship Illinois ( replica ) Illinois was a detailed , full scale mockup of an , constructed as a naval exhibit at the World ' s Columbian Exposition in Chicago , Illinois , in 1893 . Background . In the decade preceding the Columbian Exposition , the United States Navy initiated a fleet modernization program . Sometimes referred to as the ' New Navy ' , the first steel - hulled warships were constructed to replace the wooden and ironclad ships from the American Civil War period . In 1891 , the first class of modern American battleships , the " Indiana " - class , was laid down . These warships included modern technologies absent in their Civil War - era predecessors , particularly electricity and electrically - driven devices . When the Columbian Exposition was being planned , it was decided to showcase this new naval technology . However , the Rush – Bagot Treaty forbade warships to operate on the Great Lakes . Furthermore , a battleship built on the Great Lakes would have been confined there for its entire existence because , prior to opening of the Sanitary and Ship Canal in 1900 , there was no way for it to leave . As a result , it was decided that a full - scale replica of a battleship would be constructed instead . This mock - up would permit the demonstration of new technologies being used in the " Indiana " - class warships . In keeping with the Navy ' s policy of naming battleships after states and in honor of the Exposition ' s location , the facsimile battleship was called " Illinois " . Construction . " Illinois " was constructed alongside a pier and gave the appearance that she was moored to the wharf . She was designed by architect Frank W . Grogan , and built at a cost of $ 100 , 000 . A foundation of pilings and heavy timbers were built in Lake Michigan , at the north - east corner of the exposition grounds . The sides of " Illinois " were constructed of brick , plastered with cement . The hull structure was carefully constructed to match the contour of the " Indiana " - class warships . A superstructure , redoubts , barbettes , turrets and main and secondary guns were assembled using wood framing , covered with cement and metal lathing . Fittings and details , such as anchors , torpedo nets , davits , railings , and a multitude of other details , gave the appearance of a functioning warship . Within the superstructure were berthing spaces , cabins , galley , and other living spaces all constructed to emulate realistic living conditions on American battleships . As a result of the attention to detail , " Illinois " was a faithful reproduction of a coastal battleship . Exhibits . One objective of the Columbian Exposition was to highlight electric generation technologies , and " Illinois " was no exception . Because the hull was solid , no machinery or compartments were placed below the berth deck , the level just below the main deck . Instead , an electrical plant was installed on the main deck to provide power to 350 16 - candlepower lamps , two 38 , 000 candlepower search lights , and a few electrical motors . Two 16 kilowatt marine generators were also installed on " Illinois " , and used to highlight their operation for visitors . However , the actual power for the ship came from a 500 volt , motor . The wiring on " Illinois " was done in accordance to naval regulations and was completely watertight . " Illinois " was equipped with a complete set of navigation and running lights . Two large searchlights were also demonstrated to visitors . Additionally , " Illinois " had two Sturtevant blowers , and used in an on - board machine shop . Crew . A detachment of officers , sailors , and marines , were assigned to the " Illinois " by the Navy Department . The crew performed standard drills and duties as they would on a functioning warship . In addition to the crew assigned by the navy , custodial staff were attired in historic naval uniforms used between 1776 to 1848 . " Illinois " was commanded by Commodore Richard Worsam Meade , and the Executive Officer was Lieutenant Commander E . D . Taussig , who would later claim Wake Island during the Spanish - American War . Disposition . Plans were made to move " Illinois " seven miles ( 11 km ) north to the waterfront at the foot of Van Buren street , upon completion of the exposition . After the move , the " Illinois " was to serve as the headquarters for the newly formed Illinois Naval Militia . Despite skepticism that moving her was feasible , some foundation pilings were reportedly laid down at the new location starting 13 June 1894 . However , this plan was never fully realized , and like many of the other buildings constructed for the Columbian Exposition , " Illinois " was dismantled some time after the expo closed October 1893 .