USS Massachusetts (1860)

USS Massachusetts (1860)

USS Massachusetts (1860) was a large steamer acquired by the U.S. Navy prior to the American Civil War.

She was used by the Union Navy as a gunship in the blockade of Confederate ports. At war's end, she was outfitted as a cargo ship and served in that capacity until finally decommissioned.

Massachusetts, an iron screw steamer built at Boston, Massachusetts, in 1860, was purchased by the Union Navy 3 May 1861 from the Boston & Southern Steamship Co., and commissioned 24 May 1861 at Boston, Commander Melancton Smith in command.

Read more about USS Massachusetts (1860):  War For Southern Independence Service, Post-war Decommissioning