USS Naugatuck (1844)

USS "Naugatuck" (1844) was a twin-screw ironclad experimental steamer acquired by the Union Navy during the American Civil War. She was placed in service for only several months in 1862 in order to test her design, after which she was returned to the U.S. Treasury Department as the USRC E.A. Stevens, a name she retained until she was eventually sold in 1890.

Test of an experimental ironclad design

In 1841, Robert L. Stevens and Edwin Augustus Stevens, the sons of Colonel John Stevens of Hoboken, New Jersey, proposed to the Navy Department the construction of an ironclad vessel of high speed, with screw propellers and all machinery below the water line. This proposal was accepted and an Act of Congress, approved 14 April 1842 authorized the Secretary of the Navy to contract for the construction of a shot arid shell proof steamer, to be built principally of iron, on the Stevens plan.

The armor was to be 4½” thick, a thickness believed by the Stevens to be sufficient to resist any gun then known. But experiments made by John Ericsson with his big wrought iron gun proved that 4½" armor was insufficient, and the construction of the vessel was thus delayed. In 1854 the builders constructed a larger battery, to be plated with 6¾" of iron, but this in turn was never finished. This vessel was referred to as the Stevens Battery.

Operating with the North Atlantic Blockade

To demonstrate the practicality of the plan of the "Stevens Battery", the Stevens brothers built and fitted out at their own expense a small ironclad vessel known as "E. A. Stevens", or "Naugatuck", which they offered to the Government during the Civil War. She was taken into the Revenue Service by the Treasury Department and loaned to the Navy.

Exchanging shots with the Merrimack

She operated with the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron from 2 April until 26 May 1862. She exchanged shots with "CSS Virginia" (ex-"Merrimack") and took part in engagements with batteries at Sewell's Point and Drewry's Bluff, her commanding officer receiving high commendations from Commodore John Rodgers for his gallantry and for the excellent performance of his ship.

Returned to the Treasury Department

"Naugatuck" returned to the Treasury Department, and on 18 August 1889, reported at Baltimore, Maryland, to be sold.

References

See also

* United States Navy
* American Civil War
* Stevens Battery

External links

* [http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/sh-usn/usnsh-n/naugatck.htm USS Naugatuck]