| History | |
|---|---|
 United States | |
| Laid down | 1841 |
| Launched | 1842 |
| Commissioned | early 1843 |
| Out of service | 1847 |
| Stricken | 1858 (est.) |
| Fate | Sold, 1858 |
| General characteristics | |
| Displacement | 956 tons |
| Length | 184 ft 6 in (56.24 m) |
| Beam | 33 ft 6 in (10.21 m) |
| Draught | 11 ft 3 in (3.43 m) |
| Propulsion |
|
| Speed | 7 knots |
| Complement | not known |
| Armament | four 68-pounder guns |
The first USS Union was a steamer designed and constructed by the U.S. Navy as an experimental improved version of its current steam-powered ships which were not considered as efficient as they should be.
Union was laid down at the Norfolk Navy Yard, Portsmouth, Virginia, in 1841; launched in late 1842; and commissioned at Norfolk, Virginia, in early 1843, Lt. W. W. Hunter in command.