USS Crusader (1858)

History
United States
Orderedas Chowan[1]
LaunchedMay 1857[1]
AcquiredOctober 1858 by the U.S. Navy
Commissioned27 October 1858[1][2]
Decommissioned13 June 1865 at the Washington Navy Yard[2]
RenamedSouthern Star, Crusader[1]
FateSold, 20 July 1865[2]
General characteristics
Displacement545 tons[2]
Length169 ft (52 m)[2]
Beam28 ft (8.5 m)[2]
Draft12 ft 6 in (3.81 m)[2]
Propulsion
Speed8 knots (15 km/h)[2]
Complement92[2]
Armament
  • four 32-pounder guns
  • eight 24-pounder guns
  • one 12-pounder gun[2]

USS Crusader was a screw steamer of the United States Navy that served prior to, and during, the American Civil War.

Crusader was heavily armed and was used in a "gunboat diplomacy" role when the United States needed to place political pressure on Paraguay. After completing that mission, she returned to the United States to participate as a gunboat in the blockade of the Confederate States of America.

  1. ^ a b c d Dr. Thomas C., Parramore (1998). Trial Separation: Murfreesboro, North Carolina and the Civil War. Murfreesboro, North Carolina: Murfreesboro Historical Association, Inc. pp. 25–27. LCCN 00503566.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships: Crusader". Retrieved 17 January 2008.