USS Brooklyn (1858)

USS Brooklyn
History
Union Navy Jack United States
NameUSS Brooklyn
NamesakeThe City of Brooklyn on Long Island, later one of the five boroughs of New York City
BuilderJacob A. Westervelt and Son
Laid down1857
Launched1858
CommissionedJanuary 26, 1859
DecommissionedMay 14, 1889 at the New York Navy Yard
StrickenJanuary 6, 1890
FateSold March 25, 1891 at the Norfolk Navy Yard
General characteristics
Class and typeBrooklyn
Displacement2,532 tons
Length233 ft (71 m) (at the waterline)
Beam43 ft (13 m)
Draft16 ft 3 in (4.95 m)
Propulsionsteam engine screw-propelled as well as ship-rig sail
Speed11.5 knots
Complement335 officers and enlisted
Armament
  • one 10" smoothbore gun
  • twenty 9" smoothbore guns
USS Brooklyn dressed overall and with her yards manned at the Naval Review on April 29, 1889.

USS Brooklyn was a sloop-of-war authorized by the U.S. Congress and commissioned in 1859. Brooklyn was active in Caribbean operations until the start of the American Civil War at which time she became an active participant in the Union blockade of the Confederate States of America.

With her one 10-inch gun and twenty 9-inch guns, Brooklyn was a formidable fighting ship that could deliver damaging broadsides, and served on the Atlantic Ocean coast as well as the Gulf Coast of the United States in intercepting blockade runners. Brooklyn also served gallantly attacking Confederate forts and other installations on the Mississippi River.

Post-war, Brooklyn remained active, serving for some years in the European theatre, as well as circumnavigating the globe. She was retired in 1889 and sold in 1890 after having well served her country for over three decades.