From The Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, Vol. 1 (1959), pp. 134

The Blue Ridge is the southeasternmost ridge of the Appalachian Mountains in Virginia and North Carolina.

(AP: T. 1606; l. 269'2"; b. 38'2"; dr. 12'; s. 16.5 k.; cpl. 87)

The first Blue Ridge (No. 2432), a transport, was built in 1891 as Virginia by Globe Iron Works, Cleveland, Ohio; purchased at Manitowoc, Wis., 19 April 1918; and commissioned 17 October 1918, Lieutenant Commander E. S. Ells, USNR, in command.

Blue Ridge arrived at Boston Navy Yard 28 December 1918 from the Great Lakes and remained there under repair until sold 21 August 1919. She was renamed Avalon 18 August 1919.