USS Commodore Barney (1859)

USS "Commodore Barney" (1859) was a ferryboat acquired by the Union Navy during the American Civil War. Ferryboats were of great value, since, because of their flat bottom and shallow draft, they could navigate streams and shallow waters that other ships could not.

Built in New York City in 1859

"Commodore Barney", an armed side wheel ferry, was built in 1859 at New York City as the ferry boat "Ethan Allen"; purchased by the Navy 2 October 1861; and commissioned later in the month.

Civil War service

Assigned to the North Atlantic Blockade

Ordered to take part in the expedition against Port Royal, South Carolina, in October 1861 "Commodore Barney" was badly damaged during a storm en route and had to put into Baltimore, Maryland, for repairs. She joined the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron in January 1862 and cruised along the Virginia and North Carolina coasts until June. She took part in the seizure of Roanoke Island (7-9 February 1862), the Chowan River reconnaissance (18-20 February) and the capture of New Bern, North Carolina, (13-14 March).

Struck by a mine during Virginia operations

From July 1862 to March 1864 she operated out of Hampton Roads, Virginia, in the rivers of Virginia. "Commodore Barney" cooperated with the Union Army in defending Suffolk, Virginia, from 11 April to 4 May 1862 and on the Pamunkey River expedition of 24 to 29 June 1863.

From 4 to 7 August 1863 she took part in the expedition up the James River during which a torpedo (mine) exploded under her bow causing damage to her engine. She continued the expedition in tow. On 13 and 14 April 1864, she joined in the James-Nansemond Rivers expedition.

End-of-war service and sale

After spending the period from 22 April to 27 June 1864 in the North Carolina sounds she returned to cruise the James and Appomattox Rivers until ordered to Washington Navy Yard 5 May 1865. She was sold there 20 July 1865.

References

See also

* United States Navy
* American Civil War
* Confederate States Navy