USS Nyanza (1863)

USS "Nyanza" (1863) was a large steamer purchased by the Union Navy during the American Civil War. She was assigned by the Union Navy to gunship duty in the waterways of the rebellious Confederate States of America.

"Nyanza" constructed at Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania, in 1863

"Nyanza", a wooden side wheel steamer built at Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania, in 1863, was purchased by the Navy at Cincinnati, Ohio, 4 November 1863; and commissioned at Mound City, Illinois, Acting Lt. Samuel B. Washburn in command 21 December 1863.

Assigned to mortar operations in the Mississippi River

During the Civil War, "Nyanza" patrolled the Mississippi River and its tributaries protecting Union lines of communication and supply on the great inland waterway and preventing Confederate activity.

She captured schooner "J. W. Wilder" in the Atchafalaya River, Louisiana, 15 March 1864; and took schooner "Mandoline" in Atchafalaya Bay, Louisiana, laden with cotton 13 April.

Post-war decommissioning, sale, and subsequent career

After hostilities ceased, "Nyanza" decommissioned at New Orleans, Louisiana, 21 July 1865 and was sold at public auction there to Owen Finnegan 12 August 1865. Redocumented 26 August 1865, the side wheeler remained in merchant service until 1873.

References

See also

* American Civil War
* Union Navy
* Confederate States Navy

External links

* [http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/n6/nyanza.htm USS Nyanza]