USS Naiad (1863)

USS "Naiad", a stern-wheel steamer built as "Princess" in 1863 at Freedom, PA, was purchased by the Navy from F. Martin at Cincinnati, OH, 3 March 1864; and commissioned 3 April 1864, Acting Master Harry T. Keene in command.

In Greek mythology, "Naiads" are nymphs who lived in and gave life to lakes, rivers, springs, and fountains.

Acquired to bolster Union strength along the Mississippi river and its tributaries against Confederate cavalry and guerilla raids, "Naiad" served in the shallow waters through the end of the American Civil War, from time to time fighting Southern shore batteries. On 15 and 16 June 1864, with "General Bragg" and "Winnebago", she dueled Southern artillery at Ratliff’s Landing, LA, silencing the riverbank guns on both occasions. Again on 2 September, she snuffed out the fire of a Confederate battery near Rowe’s Landing, LA. The constant patrol of the rivers by "Naiad" and her sister tinclads helped the Union to maintain open communications and supply lines in the West while preventing the South from mustering her resources to oppose Generals Sherman and Grant.

"Naiad" decommissioned at Cairo, Illinois, 30 June 1865 and was sold at auction at Mound City, Illinois to B. F. Beansly, 17 August 1865. Renamed "Princess" in post-war civilian service, she struck a snag and sank at Napoleon, MO, on 1 June 1868.

References

"DANFS"

External links

* [http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/n1/naiad.htm history.navy.mil/DANFS: USS "Naiad"]
* [http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/sh-usn/usnsh-n/naiad.htm history.navy.mil/USNSH: USS "Naiad"]