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Photo # NH 59788:  USS Cayuga.  Artwork by R.G. Skerrett

Online Library of Selected Images:
-- U.S. NAVY SHIPS --

USS Cayuga (1862-1865)

USS Cayuga, a 691-ton Unadilla class screw steam gunboat, was built at East Haddam, Connecticut. Commissioned in February 1862, she was assigned to the Gulf of Mexico for combat operations against the Confederacy and served there throughout the Civil War. In April 1862, Cayuga participated in the operations leading to the capture of the lower Mississippi and the port of New Orleans. She led the Federal fleet during its daring night run past Forts Jackson and Saint Phillip on 24 April.

Following post-battle repairs at New York, Cayuga was active during Rear Admiral Farragut's operations above New Orleans. In August 1862, she participated in bombardments of Baton Rouge and Donaldsonville, Louisiana, and in an engagement with CSS Arkansas. Late in the year, she was present during the occupation of Baton Rouge.

In 1863-65, Cayuga mainly served along the Gulf coast, where she captured several sailing blockade runners. Members of her crew went ashore on a reconnaissance at Sabine Pass, Texas, on 18 April 1863, but were ambushed by the enemy. The ship's Commanding Officer was mortally wounded and six men captured. In early July 1865, after the end of the Civil War, Cayuga left the Gulf for the last time. She was decommissioned at New York late in that month and was sold in October 1865. She subsequently became the merchant ship Veteran.

This page features all our views of USS Cayuga (1862-1865).


If you want higher resolution reproductions than the digital images presented here, see: "How to Obtain Photographic Reproductions."

Click on the small photograph to prompt a larger view of the same image.

Photo #: NH 59788

USS Cayuga (1862-1865)


Wash drawing by R.G. Skerrett, circa 1900.

Courtesy of the U.S. Navy Art Collection, Washington, D.C.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

Online Image: 101KB; 740 x 500 pixels

 
Photo #: NH 59063

"Panoramic View of the United States Fleet passing the Forts on the Mississippi, on its way to New Orleans, April 19th, 1862."


Contemporary line engraving published in "The Soldier in our Civil War", Volume I.
It depicts the Federal ships shortly before they began the passage of the forts, with the Confederate gunboats waiting upstream. Individual U.S. Navy ships (as identified in text below the engraving) are: John P. Jackson; Mississippi; Pensacola; Hartford (Flagship); Iroquois; Westfield; Cayuga and Varuna.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

Online Image: 77KB; 740 x 370 pixels

 
Photo #: NH 42244

"Passage of Forts Jackson and St. Philip, April 24, 1862. Order of Attack."


Chart showing the positions of U.S. Navy ships during the action (with individual ships identified, with their commanders), and of Confederate defenses ashore and afloat.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

Online Image: 208KB; 795 x 1225 pixels

 
Photo #: NH 76369-KN (Color)

"The Splendid Naval Triumph on the Mississippi, April 24th, 1862"

Colored lithograph, published by Currier & Ives, 1862.
It depicts Farragut's fleet passing Forts Jackson and St. Phillip, below New Orleans. For the description provided on the original print, and identification of ships and features, see Photo # NH 76369-KN (complete caption).

Courtesy of the U.S. Navy Art Collection, Washington, D.C.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

Online Image: 98KB; 740 x 550 pixels

 
Photo #: NH 42243

"Bailey in the Cayuga conning through the Confederate River Fleet"


Post-Civil War artwork by J.O. Davidson, depicting USS Cayuga, flagship of the First Division under Captain Theodorus Bailey, in action during the battle off Forts Jackson and St. Philip, 24 April 1862.
The artwork was approved by Admiral David Dixon Porter, who commanded the Federal mortar schooners during this battle.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

Online Image: 75KB; 740 x 380 pixels

 


If you want higher resolution reproductions than the digital images presented here, see: "How to Obtain Photographic Reproductions."


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Page made 15 January 2001
New image added 9 September 2001