USS Ammonoosuc (1864)

Ammonoosuc and Neshaminy class
History
United States
BuilderBoston Navy Yard
Laid downduring the first half of 1863
Launched21 July 1864
In service1868 (sea trials)
Out of service1883
RenamedIowa on 15 May 1869
Stricken1883 (est.)
FateSold at Boston, Massachusetts, on 27 September 1883
General characteristics
Displacement3,850 tons
Length335'
Beam44' 4"
Draught
  • depth of hold 16' 6"
  • draft 10' 6"
PropulsionMorgan Iron Works steam engines
Speed17.11 knots
Complementnot known
Armament
  • ten 9-inch smoothbores
  • three 60-pounder rifles
  • two 24-pounder smoothbores

The USS Ammonoosuc (later renamed USS Iowa) was a steam frigate laid down by the Boston Navy Yard during the American Civil War and was launched, apparently without ceremony, on 21 July 1864. She was intended to be used against the British should England decide to take the side of the Confederate States of America and attack the Northern part of the United States. However, as the war progressed, England's support of the Confederacy diminished, and the fast and powerful Ammonoosuc was never placed into service.