The Northamptons were the second class of US heavy cruisers in WW2 that conforms with the Washington Naval Treaty. Unlike the previous Pensacola class, Northamptons' guns are arranged in 3 turrets: 2 fore and 1 aft, setting the standard for future heavy cruiser designs. The last three of the class (Chicago, Houston and Augusta) were designed as flagships with extended forecastle deck for extra crew accommodations.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northampton-class_cruiser
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Chicago_(CA-29)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Augusta_(CA-31)