&sq=&lang=&file=File:USS_Varuna_rammed_by_CSS_Stonewall_Jackson.png) USS Varuna rammed by CSS Stonewall Jackson
| |
| History | |
|---|---|
 United States | |
| Namesake | Varuna |
| Builder | Mallory Yard, Mystic, Connecticut |
| Laid down | January or February 1861 |
| Launched | September 1861 |
| Acquired | 31 December 1861 |
| Commissioned | February 1862 |
| Out of service | 24 April 1862 |
| Fate | Sunk in action 24 April 1862 |
| General characteristics | |
| Tons burthen | 1,247 tons burthen or 1,300 tons |
| Length | 218 ft (66 m) |
| Beam | 34 ft 8 in (10.57 m) |
| Depth of hold | 18 ft 3 in (5.56 m) |
| Propulsion |
|
| Complement | 157 |
| Armament |
|
USS Varuna was a screw steamer acquired by the Union Navy during the American Civil War. Under construction in 1861, she was purchased incomplete on 31 December. After being commissioned in February 1862, she traveled to join the West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Varuna was present when Flag Officer David Glasgow Farragut led an attack against Confederate positions at Fort Jackson and Fort St. Philip on 24 April. During the action, Varuna ran ahead of the other Union ships, and was engaged in a chase with the Louisiana gunboat Governor Moore. After closing in on the Union ship, Governor Moore rammed Varuna twice, with the gunboat CSS Stonewall Jackson adding a third blow. Varuna sank within 15 minutes, but Farragut was able to capture the city of New Orleans, Louisiana.