The Ironclad's Resolve
A comprehensive guide to the USS Essex (1856), a crucial ironclad gunboat that served with distinction in the United States Navy during the American Civil War.
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Origins and Conversion
From Ferry to Warship
The vessel that would become the USS Essex was originally constructed in 1856 at New Albany, Indiana. It began its service life as a steam-powered ferry named New Era. Its transformation into a naval asset commenced in September 1861 when it was acquired by the United States Army for service in its Western Gunboat Flotilla. During this initial phase, it underwent modification into a 355-ton timberclad gunboat.
The Ironclad Refit
By November 1861, the ship, then designated USS New Era, participated in an expedition up the Cumberland River. Shortly thereafter, it was renamed USS Essex. Crucially, Captain William D. Porter initiated further significant upgrades without official authorization, re-engineering the vessel into a formidable ironclad gunboat. This extensive refit involved lengthening and widening the hull, installing new, more powerful engines, and applying iron armor plating, drastically altering its appearance and capabilities.
Service in Tennessee and the Mississippi
Early Engagements
The USS Essex saw early action in the Western Theater of the American Civil War. On 11 January 1862, it engaged Confederate States Navy gunboats near Lucas Bend, Missouri. Its participation in the attack on Fort Henry, Tennessee, on 6 February 1862, proved critical, though the vessel sustained significant damage from Confederate artillery fire during the engagement.
Cumberland River Operations
The expedition up the Cumberland River in November 1861 marked an early deployment for the vessel after its initial conversion. This operation was part of the Union's strategy to gain control of key waterways in the Western Theater, disrupting Confederate supply lines and movements.
Engagements and the CSS Arkansas
Confronting the CSS Arkansas
The USS Essex played a notable role in the naval actions against the Confederate ironclad CSS Arkansas. On 15 July 1862, during operations near Vicksburg, Mississippi, the Essex engaged the Arkansas as the Confederate vessel successfully ran past Union fleets. Despite an unsuccessful attempt by the Essex to attack the Arkansas at her moorings shortly thereafter, the encounters highlighted the evolving nature of naval warfare.
Defending Baton Rouge
Following these engagements, the Essex joined Admiral David Farragut's squadron, becoming the sole Federal ironclad on the lower Mississippi River. On 5 August 1862, the Essex was instrumental in repelling a Confederate Army assault on Baton Rouge, Louisiana. In a subsequent encounter on the same day, the Essex again confronted the CSS Arkansas. The pressure exerted by the Essex contributed to the CSS Arkansas being forced to scuttle to avoid capture.
Transfer to the Navy and Campaigns
Formal Naval Service
In October 1862, the USS Essex was formally transferred from the United States Army to the United States Navy. This transition integrated the gunboat more directly into the Union's naval strategy for controlling the Mississippi River and its tributaries.
Key Campaigns
As part of the Navy, the Essex participated in significant campaigns. It was involved in the bombardment of Port Hudson, Louisiana, and assisted during the occupation of Baton Rouge. From May to July 1863, under the command of Robert Townsend, it played a role in the siege and eventual capture of Port Hudson. Subsequently, the Essex took part in the Red River Campaign between March and May 1864.
Technical Specifications
Vessel Characteristics
The USS Essex, originally the New Era, was a significant vessel in the Union's riverine ironclad fleet. Its specifications reflect the rapid evolution of naval technology during the Civil War.
| USS Essex (1856) | |
|---|---|
 United States |
|
| Name | New Era (original) |
| Launched | 1856 |
| Acquired | 20 September 1861 |
| Decommissioned | 20 July 1865 |
| Renamed | Essex in late 1861 |
| Refit | As an ironclad late 1861 |
| Fate | Sold 29 November 1865; scrapped 1870 |
| General Characteristics | |
| Type | Ironclad River Gunboat |
| Displacement | 640 tons |
| Length | 202 ft (62 m) |
| Beam | 60 ft (18 m) |
| Draft | 6 ft (1.8 m) |
| Speed | 5.5 knots |
| Complement | 124 |
| Armament | 1 ร 32-pounder; 3 ร 11-inch Dahlgren smooth bores; 1 ร 10-inch Dahlgren smoothbore; 1 ร 12-pounder howitzer |
| Armor | 1 3โ4" forward casemate, 3โ4" sides |
Final Years and Legacy
Post-War Service and Sale
In December 1864, while docked in Memphis, Tennessee, an incident involving crew members led to a serious injury to Boatswain William Bernard Dolen, who was part of a detail sent to make arrests. He was honorably discharged due to disability from the wound and later died in 1878. The USS Essex was decommissioned in July 1865. It was subsequently sold on 29 November 1865, reverting to its civilian name, New Era, before being ultimately scrapped in 1870.
Reputation
Despite its relatively light armor, the USS Essex earned a reputation as one of the most actively engaged gunboats operating on the Mississippi River. Its consistent participation in combat operations meant it frequently sustained damage, a testament to its demanding service record throughout the conflict.
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