The first USS Commodore was a steamer acquired by the Union Navy during the American Civil War. She was used by the Union Navy to patrol navigable waterways of the Confederacy to prevent the South from trading with other countries.

History
Union Navy Jack United States
Laid downdate unknown
Launched1863
Acquired1863
In service31 July 1863
Out of service1865
Stricken1865 (est.)
FateSold, 12 August 1865
General characteristics
Displacement80 tons
Lengthnot known
Beamnot known
Draughtnot known
Propulsion
Speednot known
Complement56
Armament
  • one 20-pounder rifle
  • one 12-pounder rifle
  • one 24-pounder howitzer
  • one 12-pounder howitzer

Civil War service

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Commodore, a side wheel steamer, was built at New Orleans, Louisiana, and fitted for service with the West Gulf Blockading Squadron during 1863. On 31 July 1863 Acting Master John R. Hamilton was ordered to her command with instructions to patrol in Lake Pontchartrain, Louisiana. The small steamer remained there throughout the war.

Renamed Fort Gaines

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She was renamed Fort Gaines on 1 September 1864.

Post-war decommissioning and disposal

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Commodore was sold at New Orleans, 12 August 1865.

References

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  This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. The entry can be found here.

See also

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