USS Osage (1863)

History

The USS Osage was a river monitor ship constructed during the American Civil War to patrol the shallow regions of the Mississippi River. Based on the Neosho class standards, only two ships of this kind were built, including the USS Osage. Launched in 1862 and commissioned in January 1863, the ship had a shallow draft that allowed it to operate close to the shore, proving effective in patrolling. It was armed with powerful 11" Dahlgren guns and had varying degrees of armor protection.

Engaging in active duty during the Civil War, the USS Osage played a role in protecting against Confederate attacks and securing supplies. It participated in significant battles like the Battle of the Red River, contributing to the defense of Fort Drusy and the Battle of Blair's Landing. However, in 1865, during the Battle of the Spanish Fort, the ship was flooded, leading to its sinking and the loss of crew members' lives. After this event, the damaged ship was eventually salvaged and sold in 1867.

Specification

Fundamentals

Year of Service: 1863

Origins: United States

Status: No longer on duty.

Production: 100

Manufacturer: Union Iron Works - USA

Class information

Class: Neosho class

Class Size: 2

Class: United States Marine Corps; USS Osage

Operators: United States

Roles

Offshore Operations: Nearshore activities in support of Allied activities.

Distinctive Features

Flatten: The hull of the vessel is designed to operate in coastal/shallow water environments.

DIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS

Length: 180.0 ft (54.86 m)

Beam: 45.0 ft (13.72 m)

Draught: 4.5 ft (1.37 m)

Displacement: 523 tons

POWER & PERFORMANCE

Installed Power:

4 x Coal-fired boiler units feeding

1 x 2-cylinder horizontal steam engine developing 400 horsepower driving

1 x Shaft astern

Surface Speed: 10.0 kts (11.5 mph)

ARMAMENT

2 x 11" (279mm) Dahlgren smoothbore main guns in 300-degree traversing turret over the forecastle.