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USS Brooklyn

History of the USS Brooklyn

On the eve of the American Civil War (1861-1865), the USS Brooklyn went on to have a storied wartime career that saw her through some of her most famous battles. Her keel was laid in 1857 by master architect Jacob A. Westervelt & Son, and launched the following year. She officially entered service on January 26, 1859, and was named after the city of Brooklyn (New York) on Long Island.

Brooklyn was one of five "propellers" approved by the U.S. government in 1857.

When built, the USS Brooklyn will displace 2,532 tons, have an overall length of 233 feet, a beam of 43 feet, and a draft of 16.2 feet. For propulsion, she adopted a hybrid scheme, retaining her three main masts but relying more on her internal steam engine.

She's going 11.5 knots, which is good pace compared to her wartime contemporaries. 335 officers and soldiers make up her crew. Weapon kit includes 1 x 10" smoothbore gun and 20 x 9" smoothbore gun.

Her first command was Captain David G. Farragut, and sea trials took her to South Carolina waters. From there, she traveled to various parts of the Caribbean, including Mexico, where the "Reformation War" (1857-1861) was raging.

At the outbreak of the American Civil War, the USS Brooklyn attempted unsuccessfully to resupply/strengthen Union forces limited to Fort Sumter, SC. She then repulsed the Confederate attack at Fort Pickens in Pensacola, Florida, and found her way to Ship Island, Mississippi, where she captured the fleeing ship, the Magnolia. From there, the USS Brooklyn took part in the raids on Fort St.

Philip and Fort Jackson, survived the CSS Manassas' impact attempt, took part in the occupation of New Orleans, and supported forces at Vicksburg. After some time in Gulf waters, the Battle of Mobile Bay ensued, after which she, along with other naval and army units, captured Fort Fisher.

With the end of the war in May 1865, the USS Brooklyn received a total of 10 war awards. She managed a post-war career that took her around the world from the South Atlantic and Mediterranean. On April 24, 1889, she entered New York waters, ending her storied career. On May 14 of the same year, she was discharged and her name was removed from the Naval Register.

The warship was auctioned on 25 March 1891 at the Norfolk Naval Dockyard.