USS Estrella (1862)

USS "Estrella" (1862) was a 438-ton steamer acquired by the Union Navy from the Union Army during the second year of the American Civil War.

Armed with heavy guns (one with rifled barrel) and with two howitzers for shore bombardment, "Estrella" was versatile and useful in both stopping blockade runners at sea and at bombarding shore positions.

Acquired from the Army in 1862

"Estrella", a side wheel steamer built in England in 1853 was reportedly captured in the Union blockade as a blockade runner. She was transferred from the Army to the Navy late in 1862, and commissioned soon after, Lieutenant Commander A. P. Cooke in command.

Civil War service

Gulf of Mexico operations

Assigned to the West Gulf Blockading Squadron, "Estrella" served throughout the war off Mobile, Alabama, and New Orleans, Louisiana, along the Texas coast, and up the rivers flowing into the Gulf of Mexico.

During the first 13 days of November 1862 she took part in a series of engagements with CSS "J. A. Cotton" and Confederate shore batteries along the Atchafalaya River and Bayou Teche. With her captain serving as commander of the flotilla maintained in Berwick Bay, "Estrella" led the attack on CSS "Queen of the West" 14 April 1863. The Confederate ship was set afire by Union gunfire and after 90 of her crew had been rescued, exploded.

Four days later, Cooke led his flotilla up the Atchafalaya once more, to attack the batteries at Butte-a-la-Rose, Louisiana. The batteries were captured intact, with their garrison of 60 men and large supplies of ammunition and commissary stores. A Union Army garrison was at once sent up to hold the town, another key point won by the Union Navy in its continuing campaign to take complete control of coastal areas.

Attack on Fort De Russy

From 3 to 6 May 1863, "Estrella" sailed up the Red River to join in the attack on Fort De Russy, and during June and July participated in the attacks on Port Hudson, Louisiana which led to its fall on 9 July.

Other outstanding events in her very active service included the capture of schooner "Julia A. Hodges" in Matagorda Bay, Texas, on 6 April 1864 and a leading role in the attacks on Fort Powell in Mobile Bay on 5 August 1864. These attacks were made in coordination with the brilliant battle of Mobile Bay.

Service as flagship

After being repaired at New Orleans in the first 4 months of 1865, "Estrella" served as flagship of the West Gulf Blockading Squadron, continuing to cruise in the Gulf of Mexico and its tributary waters until 30 June 1867, when she sailed for New York Navy Yard.

Post-war decommissioning

"Estrella" was decommissioned at the New York Navy Yard on 16 July 1867, and sold 9 October 1867.

References

See also

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

External links

* [http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/e5/estrella.htm USS Estrella]
* [http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/sh-usn/usnsh-e/estrella.htm USS Estrella (1862-1867)]