USSBlack Hawkwas a largesteamerpurchased by theUnion Navyduring theAmerican Civil War.
 USSBlack Hawk
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| History | |
|---|---|
  United States | |
| Launched | 1848 |
| Acquired | November 24, 1862 |
| Commissioned | December 6, 1862 |
| Out of service | April 22, 1865 |
| Fate | Sold, April 1867 |
| General characteristics | |
| Displacement | 902 tons |
| Length | 260 ft (79 m) |
| Beam | 45 ft 6 in (13.87 m) |
| Depth of hold | 8 ft (2.4 m) |
| Propulsion |
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| Armament |
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She was assigned by the Union Navy togunboatduty in the waterways of the rebelliousConfederate States of America.
Service history
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Black Hawk,a side-wheel river steamer, was built in 1848 asUncle SamatNew Albany, Indiana;purchased by the Navy atCairo, Illinois,November 24, 1862 asNew Uncle Sam;commissioned December 6, 1862, Lieutenant CommanderK. R. Breesein command; and renamedBlack HawkDecember 13, 1862.
During most of her serviceBlack Hawkserved asflagshipfor Rear AdmiralDavid Dixon Porter,CaptainAlexander Mosely Pennockand Rear AdmiralSamuel Phillips Lee,successive commanders of theMississippi Squadron.
She participated in theVicksburg campaignthat began in December 1862. This included supporting Union forces at theBattle of Arkansas Post(also known as the Battle of Fort Hindman) on 11 January 1863. She next took part in operations offHaines Blufffrom 29 April to 2 May. The Vicksburg campaign culminated in theSiege of Vicksburg,whichBlack Hawksupported; the siege began on 19 May and lasted through 4 July. The ship later participated in theRed River Expeditionfrom 12 March to 29 May 1864.
Thereafter she patrolled in theMississippi Riverand its tributaries. On April 22, 1865, she accidentally burned and sank, three miles above Cairo. Her wreck was raised and sold atSt. Louis, Missouri,in April 1867.
References
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This article incorporates text from thepublic domainDictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.The entry can be foundhere.
