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USS Clifton (1861)
Encyclopedia
USS Clifton was a light-draft side-wheel gunboat
in the United States Navy
.
Clifton was built in 1861 at Brooklyn, New York, as a civilian ferryboat. She was purchased by the Navy in early December of that year and placed in commission after conversion for combat service.
in February-March 1862. In April she towed mortar schooners into the Mississippi River
and supported them as they bombarded the Confederate fortifications below New Orleans. After the forts and city fell later in the month, she operated with Rear Admiral David Farragut
's squadron during its drive up the river to Vicksburg, Mississippi
. There, on 28 June 1862 Clifton was damaged by enemy gunfire.
Clifton participated in the Battle of Baton Rouge
on August 5, 1862.
In October 1862, Clifton took part in the capture of Galveston, Texas
. She helped seize Fort Burton, at Butte La Rose, Louisiana
, in April 1863. In mid-July, her crew assisted in capturing the sailing bark H. McGuin. Later in the month she fired on Confederate batteries on the Atchafalaya River
, Louisiana.
, Texas, Clifton grounded while under intense cannon fire and was captured.
Entering Confederate service with the Texas Marine Department, Clifton was employed as a gunboat for some months. On 21 March 1864, she ran aground off Sabine Pass while attempting to run the blockade. After attempts to refloat the ship failed, Clifton was burned by her crew to prevent capture by Federal warships.
Gunboat
A gunboat is a naval watercraft designed for the express purpose of carrying one or more guns to bombard coastal targets, as opposed to those military craft designed for naval warfare, or for ferrying troops or supplies.-History:...
in the United States Navy
United States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
.
Clifton was built in 1861 at Brooklyn, New York, as a civilian ferryboat. She was purchased by the Navy in early December of that year and placed in commission after conversion for combat service.
US Navy Service
Clifton steamed from New York to the Gulf of MexicoGulf of Mexico
The Gulf of Mexico is a partially landlocked ocean basin largely surrounded by the North American continent and the island of Cuba. It is bounded on the northeast, north and northwest by the Gulf Coast of the United States, on the southwest and south by Mexico, and on the southeast by Cuba. In...
in February-March 1862. In April she towed mortar schooners into the Mississippi River
Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is the largest river system in North America. Flowing entirely in the United States, this river rises in western Minnesota and meanders slowly southwards for to the Mississippi River Delta at the Gulf of Mexico. With its many tributaries, the Mississippi's watershed drains...
and supported them as they bombarded the Confederate fortifications below New Orleans. After the forts and city fell later in the month, she operated with Rear Admiral David Farragut
David Farragut
David Glasgow Farragut was a flag officer of the United States Navy during the American Civil War. He was the first rear admiral, vice admiral, and admiral in the United States Navy. He is remembered in popular culture for his order at the Battle of Mobile Bay, usually paraphrased: "Damn the...
's squadron during its drive up the river to Vicksburg, Mississippi
Vicksburg, Mississippi
Vicksburg is a city in Warren County, Mississippi, United States. It is the only city in Warren County. It is located northwest of New Orleans on the Mississippi and Yazoo rivers, and due west of Jackson, the state capital. In 1900, 14,834 people lived in Vicksburg; in 1910, 20,814; in 1920,...
. There, on 28 June 1862 Clifton was damaged by enemy gunfire.
Clifton participated in the Battle of Baton Rouge
Battle of Baton Rouge (1862)
The Battle of Baton Rouge was a ground and naval battle in the American Civil War fought in East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana, on August 5, 1862. The Union victory halted Confederate attempts to recapture the capital city of Louisiana.-Background:...
on August 5, 1862.
In October 1862, Clifton took part in the capture of Galveston, Texas
Galveston, Texas
Galveston is a coastal city located on Galveston Island in the U.S. state of Texas. , the city had a total population of 47,743 within an area of...
. She helped seize Fort Burton, at Butte La Rose, Louisiana
Butte La Rose, Louisiana
Butte La Rose is an unincorporated area in St. Martin Parish, Louisiana, United States.-History:...
, in April 1863. In mid-July, her crew assisted in capturing the sailing bark H. McGuin. Later in the month she fired on Confederate batteries on the Atchafalaya River
Atchafalaya River
The Atchafalaya River is a distributary of the Mississippi River and Red River in south central Louisiana in the United States. It flows south, just west of the Mississippi River....
, Louisiana.
Capture and Confederate service
On 8 September 1863, during a Federal attack on Sabine PassSecond Battle of Sabine Pass
The Second Battle of Sabine Pass took place on September 8, 1863, and was the result of a Union expedition into Confederate-controlled Texas during the American Civil War...
, Texas, Clifton grounded while under intense cannon fire and was captured.
Entering Confederate service with the Texas Marine Department, Clifton was employed as a gunboat for some months. On 21 March 1864, she ran aground off Sabine Pass while attempting to run the blockade. After attempts to refloat the ship failed, Clifton was burned by her crew to prevent capture by Federal warships.
External links
- USS Clifton (1862-1863), CSS Clifton (1863-1864)
- Daniel D. T. Nestell Papers (Acting Assistant Surgeon on the Clifton)