The first Stockton was launched on 27 December 1899 by William R. Trigg Company, Richmond, Va.; sponsored by Miss Katherine Stockton; and commissioned on 14 March 1901, Lt. Archibald H. Davis in command. Stockton was recommissioned on 11 June 1906 and assigned to the 3d Torpedo Flotilla the following day. She remained on the United States east coast into 1909, attached to the 3d Torpedo Flotilla. Transferred to the 1st Torpedo Division on 9 September 1909, she participated in the Hudson-Fulton Celebration during October 1909.