USS Iosco (1864)

The USS "Iosco" was a 1173 ton "Sassacus" class "double-ender" steam gunboat built at Bath, Maine. The ship fought during the Civil War, and was an important combatant during the battles at Fort Fisher.

ervice history

Commissioned in April 1864, she protected shipping in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence during that summer. She assisted several ships caught in heavy storms. On 15 September, "Iosco" towed the "General Burnside", which had been stuck on a reef. and was then sent to join the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. "Iosco" also assisted "Colonel Ellsworth", and the British barque "Empress 2".

Attacks on Fort Fisher

While operating off Wilmington, North Carolina, on 21 November, "Iosco" captured the blockade runner CSS "Sybil". During December 1864 and January 1865, she participated in the assaults on Fort Fisher, which ultimately closed Wilmington as a Confederate port.

During the first assault, "Iosco" engaged the batteries at Mound Fort, and hit the Confederate flag flying over the fortification, knocking it down. A Confederate shot hit the "Iosco's" foremast, causing minor damage. The following day, "Iosco" led nine other ships in another attack on the fortress. The ships got as close to shore as they could.

On 13 January, "Iosco" assisted in the landing of troops at Fort Fisher, during the second attack.. Forty four of "Iosco's" own men also participated in the ground fighting, while the ship herself provided fire support during the assault. The Confederate garrison surrrendered two days later on 15 January.

End of the war

In 1865, she was active on the North Carolina Sounds, taking part in an expedition up the Roanoke River in mid-May. USS "Iosco" was decommissioned in July 1865 and in February 1868 was converted into a coal hulk for service at the New York Navy Yard.

External links

* [http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/sh-usn/usnsh-i/iosco.htm USS Iosco (1864-1868)]
* [http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/i2/iosco.htm DANFS]