USS Lawrence, first of a two-ship class of 400-ton destroyers built at Weymouth, Massachusetts, was commissioned in April 1903. She served along the East Coast and in the Caribbean for over four years, taking part in training and exercises. Late in 1907 she began a long voyage around South America, accompanying other destroyers and the battleships of the "Great White Fleet" to the Pacific Coast, her base for nearly a decade. In July 1917, following the United States' entry into the First World War, Lawrence moved to Central America, where she protected the entrances to the Panama Canal. This duty lasted until the end of May 1918, when her operating area was transferred to the area of Key West, Florida. Early in 1919, with the "Great War" at an end, she steamed to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where she remained until decommissioning in June. USS Lawrence was sold in January 1920.

USS Lawrence was named in honor of Captain James Lawrence (1781-1813), who lost his life while commanding the frigate Chesapeake in battle with HMS Shannon on 1 June 1813.