Enter a player name to begin or load your saved progress.
The vessel later designated USS *Essex* (1856) was initially constructed as a military vessel for the U.S. Navy.
Answer: False
Explanation: The vessel that became the USS *Essex* was originally constructed as a civilian steam-powered ferry named *New Era*, not as a military vessel for the U.S. Navy.
The vessel known as the *New Era* was purchased by the U.S. government for deployment with the Pacific Fleet.
Answer: False
Explanation: The *New Era* was purchased by the United States Army for service in the Western Gunboat Flotilla during the American Civil War, not for the Pacific Fleet.
Following its acquisition, the *New Era* was initially converted into a heavily armored ironclad vessel.
Answer: False
Explanation: The *New Era* was initially converted into a timberclad gunboat, not a heavily armored ironclad.
The USS *Essex* was transferred from the U.S. Navy to the U.S. Army in October 1862.
Answer: False
Explanation: The USS *Essex* was transferred from the operational control of the U.S. Army to the U.S. Navy in October 1862.
The illustration of the *New Era* depicts its final configuration as a Union ironclad.
Answer: False
Explanation: The illustration shows the conversion of the steamer *New Era* into a gunboat in 1861, representing its transformation into a warship, not necessarily its final ironclad configuration.
What was the original designation and name of the vessel that was subsequently converted into the USS *Essex* (1856)?
Answer: The *New Era*, constructed as a steam-powered ferry.
Explanation: The vessel that eventually became the USS *Essex* (1856) was originally constructed as a civilian steam-powered ferry and bore the name *New Era*.
Specify the date of acquisition for the *New Era* by the U.S. government and the conflict for which it was intended.
Answer: September 1861, for the American Civil War.
Explanation: The *New Era* was purchased by the United States Army on September 20, 1861, for service during the American Civil War.
Describe the initial modification undertaken on the *New Era* subsequent to its acquisition by the U.S. Army.
Answer: It was transformed into a timberclad gunboat.
Explanation: Following its acquisition by the U.S. Army, the *New Era* was initially modified into a timberclad gunboat.
Specify the month and year in which the USS *Essex* was officially transferred from the U.S. Army to the U.S. Navy.
Answer: October 1862
Explanation: The USS *Essex* was officially transferred from the operational control of the U.S. Army to the U.S. Navy in October 1862.
The vessel was renamed USS *Essex* and upgraded with iron armor shortly after its November 1861 expedition up the Cumberland River.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following its November 1861 expedition up the Cumberland River, the ship was renamed USS *Essex* and underwent further upgrades, including the addition of iron armor.
The USS *Essex* was renowned for its exceptionally strong armor plating throughout the Civil War.
Answer: False
Explanation: The USS *Essex*'s armor was considered relatively weak and frequently sustained damage during engagements, rather than being renowned for exceptional strength.
The USS *Essex* had a length of approximately 202 meters.
Answer: False
Explanation: The USS *Essex* had a length of approximately 202 feet (62 meters), not 202 meters.
The ship's armament included three 11-inch Dahlgren smoothbore guns.
Answer: True
Explanation: The armament of the USS *Essex* included three 11-inch Dahlgren smoothbore guns, among other pieces.
The USS *Essex* was protected by a 3/4-inch forward casemate and 1 3/4-inch side armor.
Answer: False
Explanation: The USS *Essex* was protected by a 1 3/4-inch forward casemate and 3/4-inch side armor, not the reverse.
The USS *Essex*'s armor was considered strong, rarely sustaining damage during combat.
Answer: False
Explanation: The USS *Essex*'s armor was considered relatively weak and frequently sustained damage during combat operations, despite its active service.
What significant transformations occurred subsequent to the vessel's November 1861 expedition up the Cumberland River?
Answer: It was renamed USS *Essex* and armored.
Explanation: Shortly after its November 1861 expedition up the Cumberland River, the ship was renamed USS *Essex* and underwent further upgrades, including the addition of iron armor.
Elaborate on the primary unauthorized modifications implemented by Captain Porter that transformed the USS *Essex*.
Answer: Lengthening, widening, re-engineering, and re-armoring the vessel.
Explanation: Captain Porter's unauthorized modifications included lengthening and widening the vessel, completely reengineering it, and rearmoring it, significantly altering its appearance and capabilities.
What was the general assessment of the USS *Essex*'s armor during its service?
Answer: Relatively weak and frequently damaged.
Explanation: The USS *Essex*'s armor was considered relatively weak and frequently sustained damage during combat operations, despite its active service.
Which of the following dimensions is not explicitly listed for the USS *Essex* in the provided infobox data?
Answer: Displacement of 1000 tons
Explanation: The infobox lists length, beam, and draft, but not a displacement of 1000 tons. The listed displacement is 640 tons.
Detail the types of guns that constituted the USS *Essex*'s armament.
Answer: One 32-pounder gun and three 11-inch Dahlgren smoothbore guns
Explanation: The armament of the USS *Essex* included one 32-pounder gun and three 11-inch Dahlgren smoothbore guns, along with other pieces.
What was the specified thickness of the USS *Essex*'s side armor?
Answer: 3/4 inch
Explanation: The side armor of the USS *Essex* was specified as 3/4 inch thick.
Captain William D. Porter was authorized by the Navy Department to upgrade the USS *Essex* into an ironclad.
Answer: False
Explanation: Captain William D. Porter was not authorized by the Navy Department for the extensive modifications he made to the USS *Essex*; these were largely unauthorized.
Captain Porter's unauthorized modifications included rearming the ship with heavier cannons.
Answer: False
Explanation: Captain Porter's unauthorized modifications encompassed extensive structural and engineering changes, including lengthening, widening, and re-armoring the vessel, rather than solely focusing on rearming with heavier cannons.
In December 1864, Boatswain William Bernard Dolen was injured in Memphis while arresting Confederate sailors.
Answer: False
Explanation: In December 1864, Boatswain William Bernard Dolen was injured in Memphis by a fellow seaman while part of a detail sent to arrest crew members who had gone ashore for a spree, not specifically while arresting Confederate sailors.
Captain William Porter named the ship USS *Essex* after a famous British naval vessel.
Answer: False
Explanation: Captain William Porter named the ship USS *Essex* in honor of his father's former sailing frigate, the USS *Essex*, not after a British naval vessel.
Identify the commanding officer who was responsible for the unauthorized ironclad upgrade of the USS *Essex*.
Answer: Captain William D. Porter
Explanation: Captain William D. Porter was the commanding officer responsible for the unauthorized ironclad upgrade of the USS *Essex*.
Describe the incident involving Boatswain William Bernard Dolen that took place in Memphis, Tennessee, in December 1864.
Answer: He was injured by a fellow seaman.
Explanation: In December 1864, Boatswain William Bernard Dolen was injured in Memphis by a fellow seaman while part of a detail sent to arrest crew members who had gone ashore for a spree.
Explain the rationale behind Captain William Porter's decision to name the ship USS *Essex*.
Answer: In memory of his father's former sailing frigate.
Explanation: Captain William Porter named the ship USS *Essex* in honor of his father's former sailing frigate, the USS *Essex*.
The USS *Essex* was decommissioned on July 20, 1865, and sold later that year.
Answer: True
Explanation: The USS *Essex* was decommissioned on July 20, 1865, and subsequently sold on November 29, 1865.
After being sold, the USS *Essex* was renamed *New Era* and scrapped in 1870.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following its sale, the USS *Essex* reverted to its civilian name, *New Era*, and was ultimately scrapped in 1870.
According to the 'Union ironclads' navbox, the USS *Essex* is classified as a 'City class' ironclad.
Answer: False
Explanation: According to the 'Union ironclads' navbox, the USS *Essex* is classified as a 'Riverine casemate ironclad', not a 'City class' ironclad.
The article about the USS *Essex* uses text sourced from the public domain *Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships*.
Answer: True
Explanation: The article's text is sourced from the public domain *Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships*, as indicated in the provided materials.
The Wikimedia Commons link suggests that no media files related to the USS *Essex* are available.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Wikimedia Commons link indicates that media files related to the USS *Essex* are indeed available for public access and use.
After its military service, the USS *Essex* was scrapped in 1870 under its naval designation.
Answer: False
Explanation: After its military service, the USS *Essex* was scrapped in 1870 after reverting to its civilian name, *New Era*, not under its naval designation.
The USS *Essex* was classified as a river gunboat during its service in the Civil War.
Answer: True
Explanation: The USS *Essex* was classified as an ironclad river gunboat during its service in the Civil War.
When was the USS *Essex* decommissioned, and when was it sold?
Answer: Decommissioned July 1865, sold November 1865
Explanation: The USS *Essex* was decommissioned on July 20, 1865, and subsequently sold on November 29, 1865.
What was the ultimate fate of the USS *Essex* after its decommissioning and sale?
Answer: It was scrapped in 1870 after reverting to its civilian name.
Explanation: Following its decommissioning in July 1865 and subsequent sale in November 1865, the USS *Essex* reverted to its civilian designation, *New Era*, and was ultimately scrapped in 1870.
According to the 'Union ironclads' navbox, what classification does the USS *Essex* share with vessels such as the *Benton* and *Lafayette*?
Answer: Riverine casemate ironclad
Explanation: According to the 'Union ironclads' navbox, the USS *Essex* shares the classification of 'Riverine casemate ironclad' with ships like the *Benton* and *Lafayette*.
What is the stated primary source of the textual content for the article concerning the USS *Essex*?
Answer: The *Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships*.
Explanation: The stated source of the text for the article on the USS *Essex* is the public domain *Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships*.
Which statement most accurately describes the ultimate fate of the USS *Essex* following its military service?
Answer: It was sold, renamed *New Era*, and scrapped.
Explanation: The USS *Essex* was sold, reverted to its civilian name *New Era*, and was subsequently scrapped in 1870.
What type of vessel was the USS *Essex* classified as during the Civil War?
Answer: An armored river gunboat
Explanation: The USS *Essex* was classified as an ironclad river gunboat during its service in the Civil War.