USS Rhode Island (1860)

For other ships with the same name, see USS Rhode Island.

The only known photo of the USS Rhode Island, taken in 1866.
History
Union Navy Jack United States
NameUSS Rhode Island
Laid down1860, as John P. King
Launched6 September 1860[1]
Acquiredby purchase, 27 June 1861
Commissioned29 July 1861
Decommissioned21 April 1864
Renamed
  • Eagle, 1861
  • Rhode Island, 29 July 1861
Commissioned3 October 1864
Decommissioned1867
RenamedCharleston, 8 November 1867
Fate
  • Sold for merchant service, 1 October 1867
  • Abandoned, 1885
General characteristics
TypeSteamer
Displacement1,517 long tons (1,541 t)
Length236 ft 2 in (71.98 m)
Beam36 ft 8 in (11.18 m)
Draft15 ft (4.6 m)
PropulsionSteam engine
Speed16 knots (30 km/h; 18 mph)
Complement257 officers and enlisted
Armament
  • As supply ship (1861–1864) :
  • 4 × 32-pounder guns
  • As auxiliary cruiser (1864–1867) :
  • 1 × 11 in (280 mm) gun
  • 8 × 8 in (200 mm) guns
  • 1 × 30-pounder Parrott rifle
  • 1 × 12-pounder rifle

The first USS Rhode Island was a side-wheel steamer in the United States Navy, commissioned in 1861.

Rhode Island was built in New York City, in 1860 by Lupton & McDermut as John P. King; burned and rebuilt and renamed Eagle in 1861 before being purchased by the U.S. Navy on 27 June 1861 from Spofford, Tileston & Company, at New York; renamed Rhode Island; and commissioned at New York Navy Yard on 29 July 1861, Commander Stephen D. Trenchard in command.

  1. ^ Bauer and Roberts, p. 87.