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CSS Tennessee (USS Tennessee)

CSS Tennessee History

During the American Civil War (1861-1865), the Confederate Ironclad CSS Tennessee became the most expensive warship built in the South, and the longest built warship in the arsenal. She served as the Hammer of the South, but like other ships fighting for the Confederate cause, was captured by the Union Navy and restored as the USS Tennessee before the war ended.

She was not protected and was eventually sold shortly after the conflict.

CSS Tennessee is a purpose-built ironclad, not a modification of an existing ship. It was built in Selma, Alabama by master architect Henry D. Bassett in October 1862 and named after the state of Tennessee. The warship was launched in February 1863 and officially commissioned with the Confederate Navy after assembly on February 16, 1864.

Her crew consisted of 133 crew members, including officers and soldiers.

CSS Tennessee carries 2 x 7" Brooke Rifled Rifles and 4 x 6.4" Brooke Rifled Rifles. In addition to her regular projectile weapon, she is also equipped with a bow-mounted ram. Her armor created up to 6 inches of protection at the turrets and 2 inches on the deck.

5 inches of protection on the sides. They are well equipped and a formidable opponent.

The ship has a displacement of 1,300 tons, a length of 209 feet, a beam of 48 feet, and a draft of 14 feet. Electricity is provided by 4 boiler units feeding 2 steam engines driving 2 shafts at 5 knots.

The strength of CSS Tennessee is fully recognized by Alliance war planners and commanders, so attacks on Mobile should have more monitors available. Confederate Admiral David Farragut led the assault on Mobile Bay, past Confederate-held Fort Morgan and Gaines, to the bay and waiting CSS Tennessee.

However, as powerful as a ship like the Tennessee was, her design also showed some inherent flaws - most notably her engine fit, which was inherited from the steam river steamer. Propulsion, combined with the increased weight of armor and weapons, made Tennessee slow and cumbersome to maneuver through the water.

Her guns held off the approaching Union ships well, but the ship and her crew were soon surrounded. Her control has been disabled by the Alliance's guns, and enemy ships are free to use projectiles or ram her into submission.

Her now-wounded captain (Admiral Buchanan), his successor (Commander James Johnson) finally ordered a surrender before the ship's death knell - certainly saving the lives of the crew (two have been killed, nine more people are now injured) .- including its captain).

The ironclad was captured intact by Union forces, restored and returned to service - retaining its designation as USS Tennessee. On August 23, 1864, the aircraft carrier USS Tennessee, now on duty in the North, continued the fight and took part in the attack on Fort Morgan, shortly after she was captured.

She was restored again, this time in New Orleans, and joined the Mississippi Squadron that fought up and down the Mississippi River. She worked at the station until the war ended in April 1865, before being placed in New Orleans.

From there on November 27, 1867, she was sold as scrapsome of her guns were salvaged and are currently on display at the Washington Navy Yard.