USS Minnesota

USS Minnesota was a United States Navy monitor that played a significant role in the American Civil War, particularly during the Battle of Hampton Roads against the CSS Virginia. The ship was named after the Minnesota Territory, which is now the state of Minnesota. The USS Minnesota was built at the Washington Navy Yard and launched on December 1, 1855, with Captain Charles Steedman as its first commander. The ship was also involved in the Siege of Charleston Harbor and the Battle of Trent's Reach.

● History

The USS Minnesota was one of the first ironclad ships built by the United States Navy, with a design inspired by the French Navy's Gloire. The ship's construction was overseen by John Luke Porter, a renowned naval architect, and was launched on December 1, 1855. The USS Minnesota was commissioned on May 21, 1857, with Captain Charles Steedman as its first commander, and initially served in the Mediterranean Squadron under the command of Commodore William Branford Shubrick. The ship later participated in the Paraguay expedition and the Aroostook War, before being recalled to the United States to prepare for the American Civil War. During the war, the USS Minnesota played a key role in the Union Navy's Anaconda Plan, which was devised by General Winfield Scott and President Abraham Lincoln.

● Characteristics

The USS Minnesota was a screw frigate with a length of 264 feet 9 inches (80.7 m) and a beam of 51 feet 4 inches (15.6 m). The ship was powered by a steam engine and had a top speed of 12 knots (22 km/h). The USS Minnesota was armed with 47 smoothbore cannons, including 10 Dahlgren guns, and had a crew of 646 sailors. The ship's hull was made of wood and was protected by 4 inches (10 cm) of iron armor, which was designed by John Ericsson, a Swedish-American engineer. The USS Minnesota was also equipped with a spar torpedo, which was invented by Robert Fulton, and a reverberatory furnace for heating shot.

● Service

The USS Minnesota served in the Union Navy during the American Civil War, and played a key role in several important battles, including the Battle of Hampton Roads and the Siege of Charleston Harbor. The ship was part of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, which was commanded by Admiral Samuel Francis Du Pont, and was involved in the Battle of Hatteras Inlet Batteries and the Battle of Roanoke Island. The USS Minnesota also participated in the Battle of Fort Fisher, which was led by Admiral David Dixon Porter and General Alfred Terry. After the war, the ship was decommissioned and placed in reserve, but was later recommissioned and served in the Pacific Squadron under the command of Rear Admiral John Rodgers.

● Commanding_officers

The USS Minnesota had several commanding officers during its service, including Captain Charles Steedman, Captain Francis Buchanan, and Captain John Ancrum Winslow. The ship's most notable commander was Captain John Lee Davis, who led the ship during the Battle of Hampton Roads and was later promoted to Rear Admiral. Other notable commanders of the USS Minnesota included Captain Silas Stringham, who served as the commander of the Atlantic Squadron, and Captain James Alden, who later became the Superintendent of the United States Naval Academy.

● Battles_and_operations

The USS Minnesota participated in several important battles and operations during the American Civil War, including the Battle of Hampton Roads, the Siege of Charleston Harbor, and the Battle of Trent's Reach. The ship also played a key role in the Battle of Hatteras Inlet Batteries and the Battle of Roanoke Island, and was involved in the Battle of Fort Fisher and the Battle of Wilmington. The USS Minnesota was also part of the James River Flotilla, which was commanded by Rear Admiral John Adams Dahlgren, and was involved in the Appomattox Campaign, which was led by General Ulysses S. Grant and General William Tecumseh Sherman.

● Legacy

The USS Minnesota played a significant role in the American Civil War and was one of the most important ships in the Union Navy. The ship's design and construction influenced the development of future ironclad ships, including the USS Monitor, which was designed by John Ericsson. The USS Minnesota is also remembered for its bravery and sacrifice during the war, particularly during the Battle of Hampton Roads, where the ship was damaged and several crew members were killed or injured. The ship's legacy continues to be celebrated today, with several United States Navy ships being named after the state of Minnesota, including the USS Minnesota (BB-22), which was a pre-dreadnought battleship that served during World War I. The USS Minnesota is also commemorated in the National Museum of the United States Navy, which is located in Washington, D.C., and is part of the United States Navy Memorial. Category:American Civil War ships