Ships of the American Civil War
The American Civil War was a transformative time in warship design. During the conflict, the "wooden walls" of the past began giving way to steam-powered ironclads. Here we look at a variety of vessels from this dynamic time.
American Civil War: USS Constellation - The End of an Era
USS Constellation is the last all-sail warship built for the US Navy and the last naval vessel active during the Civil War still afloat. Best known for its work fighting the slave trade, USS Constellation is now preserved as a museum in Baltimore, MD.
USS Constellation is the last all-sail warship built for the US Navy and the last naval vessel active during the Civil War still afloat. Best known for its work fighting the slave trade, USS Constellation is now preserved as a museum in Baltimore, MD.
American Civil War: USS Kearsarge
USS Kearsarge was a Mohican-class screw-sloop built during the American Civil War. Ordered to European waters, Kearsarge famously defeated the Confederate raider CSS Alabama on June 19, 1864. Kearsarge remained in service until 1894, when it ran aground on Roncador Cay.
USS Kearsarge was a Mohican-class screw-sloop built during the American Civil War. Ordered to European waters, Kearsarge famously defeated the Confederate raider CSS Alabama on June 19, 1864. Kearsarge remained in service until 1894, when it ran aground on Roncador Cay.
American Civil War: USS Monitor
USS Monitor was the first ironclad built for the US Navy. Entering service in 1862, USS Monitor fought CSS Virginia in the first battle between ironclad warships on March 9, 1862. After serving in the Hampton Roads area, USS Monitor was lost at sea in late 1862, while under tow.
USS Monitor was the first ironclad built for the US Navy. Entering service in 1862, USS Monitor fought CSS Virginia in the first battle between ironclad warships on March 9, 1862. After serving in the Hampton Roads area, USS Monitor was lost at sea in late 1862, while under tow.
American Civil War: CSS Shenandoah
CSS Shenandoah was a former British transport which was purchased by the Confederate government in 1864, for use as a raider. Converted to a warship at Madeira, Shenandoah proceeded to attack US shipping in the South Atlantic before moving to the Bering Sea to destroy the American whaling fleet. On November 6, 1865, Shenandoah put into Liverpool and became the last surrender of the Civil War.
CSS Shenandoah was a former British transport which was purchased by the Confederate government in 1864, for use as a raider. Converted to a warship at Madeira, Shenandoah proceeded to attack US shipping in the South Atlantic before moving to the Bering Sea to destroy the American whaling fleet. On November 6, 1865, Shenandoah put into Liverpool and became the last surrender of the Civil War.