Aviation Naval Warfare Land Systems Small Arms By Flag By Year By Tag

CSS Fredericksburg

History of CSS Fredericksburg

The existence of several Confederate Navy ironclads is due in part to the collective efforts of Southern women to raise funds to build them (hence the nickname "Ladies Gunboats"). In March 1862, when Richmond sent an appeal for funding to build a new ironclad at Richmond, these women responded and helped build ships like the CSS Fredericksburg.

Between 1862 and 1863, the Ironclad was built until March of the following year, when she was transferred to Drewry's Bluff near Darlingburg to house her intended cannon armament. Commissioned, CSS Fredericksburg joined the James River Squadron, a collection of federal ships tasked with protecting the James River as far north as Richmond.

She would serve in this manner until the end of her term in 1865.

When completed, Fredericksburg had a displacement of 700 tons, a length of 188 feet, a beam of 40 feet 3 inches, and a draft of 9 feet 6 inches. Propulsion is by means of a steam engine unit, which enables a top speed of 5 knots in ideal waters. She had a crew of 150 and armament consisted of 1 x 11" (280 mm) smoothbore, 1 x 8" (200 mm) rifled and 2 x 6.4" (160 mm) rifled.

These guns could be used to counterattack as needed Other enemy ships may hit offshore targets.

The shape of the Fredericksburg was consistent with other ironclad ships of the period, with a very shallow hull and unobstructed bow and stern decks. Her bulk is concentrated amidships, with sloping armor plates forming her superstructurearmor up to 4 inches thick. A single funnel emerges from the roofline of the superstructure, which was originally made of wood.

Considering the fire hazard, this wood paneling was replaced with iron bars for safety reasons.

CSS Fredericksburg continues various patrol operations along the James River. In response to the Union offensive of September 1864, CSS Fredericksburg and CSS Richmond were ordered to bomb Union troops near Harrisonburg. Fredericksburg successfully repelled the enemy presence and fought until 1865, when Fredericksburg - along with CSS Virginia II and CSS Richmond - advanced towards the Union supply depot at City Point in January.

Here they were hit by the USS Onoda with inconclusive results, and range was the main factor in the firefight. The CSS Fredericksburg ended rather abruptly on April 4, 1865, when her hull was blown up along with other Confederate warships to avoid capture in the Richmond evacuation.

She sank to the bottom of the James River until today (2014). Shortly thereafter, Union troops occupied Richmond. General Lee surrendered on April 9.