Gallery: Actions in the fall of 1861 and early 1862
USS Pittsburg
The USS Pittsburg was a City Class ironclad gunboat built by James B. Eads in St. Louis, Missouri in 1861, commissioned in January 1862, and assigned to the Western Gunboat Flotilla under the command of Commander Egbert Thompson. During the attack on Fort Donelson on February 14, 1862, Pittsburg came under heavy Confederate artillery fire and was damaged. After undergoing repairs the Pittsburg engaged in the attack on Island No. 10 and the batteries at New Madrid, Missouri. On October 1, 1862, the Pittsburg and other gunboats in the flotilla were transferred to navy command.
On April 28, 1863, the Pittsburg led the attack at Grand Gulf and was again heavily damaged. Her assault secured Union control of the river, allowing General U. S. Grant’s army to cross and attack Vicksburg from the rear. Pittsburg returned to patrol and bombardment missions along the Mississippi River until the ship joined the Red River Expedition in March 1864.
The USS Pittsburg was decommissioned on November 29, 1865 and sold for scrap.
Image Courtesy Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; WICR 30187
