USS Contoocook (1864)

History
NameUSS Contoocook
BuilderPortsmouth Navy Yard
Launched3 December 1864
Commissioned14 March 1868
Decommissioned7 January 1870
RenamedAlbany on 15 May 1869
FateSold on 12 December 1872
General characteristics
TypeSloop-of-war
Displacement2,348 tons
Length296 ft (90 m)
Draft9 ft 9 in (2.97 m)
Armament
  • 8 × 9" guns
  • 1 × 60-pounder gun
  • 4 × 24-pounder guns
  • 2 × 12-pounder guns

USS Contoocook was a screw sloop-of-war built for the United States Navy during the American Civil War. She is named after a river and village in New Hampshire. She was launched 3 December 1864 at Portsmouth Navy Yard and commissioned 14 March 1868, commanded by Captain George Balch.

Her first cruise, as flagship of the North Atlantic Squadron, took her to the West Indies, where she patrolled extensively for the protection of American interests during 1868 and 1869. Her name was changed to Albany on 15 May 1869. After another cruise to the West Indies in the fall of that year, Albany was placed out of commission on 7 January 1870. She served as a quarantine ship at New York until sold 12 December 1872.