USS Atlanta (1861) – Knowipedia – The Next Generation of Global Knowledge

**USS Atlanta (1861)**

**Definition:**
USS Atlanta (1861) was a wooden-hulled, steam-powered gunboat commissioned by the United States Navy during the American Civil War. Originally built as a civilian vessel, she was acquired and converted for military use, serving primarily in blockading and riverine operations.

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# USS Atlanta (1861)

The USS Atlanta was a wooden-hulled, steam-powered gunboat that served in the United States Navy during the American Civil War. Originally constructed as a civilian vessel, she was purchased and converted by the Navy to support Union efforts in blockading Confederate ports and controlling inland waterways. Throughout her service, USS Atlanta participated in several key naval operations, contributing to the Union’s strategic dominance on the rivers and coastal areas.

## Construction and Acquisition

### Origins as a Civilian Vessel

The ship that would become USS Atlanta was initially built as a commercial steamer in 1860. Constructed with a wooden hull and powered by steam engines, she was designed for civilian use, primarily for transporting passengers and cargo along coastal and river routes. Her design featured a shallow draft suitable for navigating inland waterways, a characteristic that later proved valuable for military operations.

### Purchase by the U.S. Navy

With the outbreak of the American Civil War in 1861, the Union Navy rapidly expanded its fleet to enforce blockades and control strategic waterways. Recognizing the need for versatile vessels capable of operating in shallow waters, the Navy purchased the civilian steamer in late 1861. Upon acquisition, the ship was renamed USS Atlanta and underwent conversion to a gunboat, which included the installation of armaments and reinforcement of her structure to withstand combat conditions.

## Design and Specifications

### Hull and Propulsion

USS Atlanta featured a wooden hull approximately 150 feet in length, with a beam of about 30 feet and a shallow draft that allowed her to navigate rivers and coastal shallows. She was powered by a steam engine driving a single screw propeller, enabling a top speed estimated at 10 to 12 knots. The steam propulsion system allowed for greater maneuverability and independence from wind conditions compared to sailing vessels.

### Armament

As a gunboat, USS Atlanta was outfitted with a battery of smoothbore and rifled cannon. The exact configuration varied during her service, but typically included several 32-pounder and 24-pounder guns mounted on the deck. These weapons were intended for engaging enemy ships, shore batteries, and providing fire support for ground forces during amphibious operations.

### Crew Complement

The vessel was manned by a crew of approximately 80 to 100 officers and enlisted men. The crew included officers responsible for navigation, engineering, gunnery, and command, as well as sailors and marines tasked with operating the ship and its weapons.

## Service History

### Early Service and Blockade Duty

After commissioning, USS Atlanta was assigned to the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron, which was responsible for enforcing the Union blockade along the coasts of South Carolina, Georgia, and eastern Florida. The blockade aimed to prevent the Confederacy from trading cotton and other goods for war supplies. USS Atlanta’s shallow draft made her particularly effective in patrolling rivers and inlets where larger ships could not operate.

### Operations in the Savannah River

One of USS Atlanta’s primary areas of operation was the Savannah River in Georgia. The river was a vital supply route for the Confederacy, and Union forces sought to control it to cut off Confederate logistics. USS Atlanta participated in reconnaissance missions, skirmishes with Confederate shore batteries, and supported amphibious landings by Union troops.

### Engagements and Combat Actions

Throughout her service, USS Atlanta encountered Confederate forces on multiple occasions. She engaged in artillery duels with shore batteries and exchanged fire with Confederate gunboats attempting to break the blockade. While not involved in any major fleet battles, her actions contributed to the gradual tightening of the Union blockade and the disruption of Confederate supply lines.

### Support of Army Operations

In addition to blockade duty, USS Atlanta provided naval gunfire support for Union Army operations along the coast and rivers. Her guns were used to bombard enemy positions, assist in troop landings, and protect Union forces from counterattacks. This cooperation between the Navy and Army was a hallmark of Union strategy in the coastal and riverine theaters of the war.

### Later Service and Decommissioning

As the war progressed and newer, more heavily armed ironclads and gunboats entered service, USS Atlanta’s role diminished. She continued to serve in secondary patrol and support roles until the end of the conflict. Following the Confederate surrender in 1865, USS Atlanta was decommissioned and sold at public auction. Her subsequent fate is not well documented, but like many wartime vessels, she was likely returned to civilian service or dismantled.

## Legacy

USS Atlanta (1861) exemplifies the rapid adaptation of civilian vessels for military purposes during the American Civil War. Her service highlights the importance of versatile, shallow-draft gunboats in controlling inland waterways and enforcing blockades. While overshadowed by larger ironclads and famous warships, USS Atlanta and similar vessels played a crucial role in the Union’s naval strategy and ultimate victory.

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## Technical Summary

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## See Also

– Union Navy
– South Atlantic Blockading Squadron
– American Civil War naval operations
– Gunboats of the American Civil War

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**Meta Description:**
USS Atlanta (1861) was a wooden steam-powered gunboat that served in the Union Navy during the American Civil War, primarily in blockade and river operations. She played a key role in controlling strategic waterways and supporting army operations along the southern coast.