CSS Columbia

CSS "Columbia" was an uncommonly strong ironclad ram in the Confederate States Navy and later in the United States Navy.

As CSS "Columbia"

"Columbia" was constructed under contract at Charleston, South Carolina in 1864, of yellow pine and white oak with iron fastenings and 6 inch (150 mm) iron plating. Hull work was done by F. M. Jones to John L. Porter's plans, plating and machinery by James M. Eason; her casemate was shortened to conserve precious metal and clad with 6" iron. "Columbia" was launched in March 1864 and entered service later in that year.

When the Union forces took possession of Charleston on February 18, 1865, they found the greatly prized "Columbia "in jeopardy near Fort Moultrie; while on duty as part of the defenses of Charleston, she had run on a sunken wreck and been damaged on January 12, 1865. "Columbia" was found to have had her guns and some armor plating removed and ship-worms already at work.

As USS "Columbia"

She was raised on April 26 and placed under the command of Lieutenant G. W. Hayward, USN. "Columbia" was towed by USS "Vanderbilt" to Hampton Roads, Virginia, where she arrived May 25, 1865. "Columbia" was drydocked on June 5 and repairs were begun, but on June 15, she was decommissioned and placed in ordinary. Her hulk was sold October 10, 1867.

See also

For other ships named "Columbia", see USS "Columbia"