CSS Lark facts for kids
Quick facts for kids History |
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|---|---|
| Name | Lark |
| Namesake | Lark |
| Owner | Confederate States of America |
| Builder | Laird Brothers, Birkenhead, England |
| Launched | Nov 1864 |
| Fate | Scrapped, 1896 |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | Lark-class paddle steamer |
| Tonnage | 390 GRT |
| Length | 210 ft 8 in (64.2 m) |
| Beam | 23 ft 2 in (7.1 m) |
| Draught | 6 ft (1.8 m) |
| Installed power | 150 ihp (110 kW) |
| Propulsion |
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| Speed | 12 knots (22 km/h; 14 mph) |
The Lark was a special kind of ship called a paddle steamer. She was used by the Confederate States of America during the American Civil War. The Lark became famous for being the very last blockade runner to successfully get out of a Southern port. This happened just before the Union Blockade completely stopped all ships from getting in or out.
Contents
The Lark: A Daring Civil War Ship
The Lark was a fast and important ship during the American Civil War (1861-1865). This war was fought between the Northern states (the Union) and the Southern states (the Confederacy). The Southern states had separated from the United States. The Union navy tried to stop supplies from reaching the South by setting up a "blockade." This meant their warships patrolled the Southern coast to prevent ships from entering or leaving.
What Was a Blockade Runner?
A blockade runner was a ship designed to sneak past this naval blockade. These ships were usually very fast. They carried important supplies like weapons, medicine, and other goods into the South. They would then carry Southern products, like cotton, out to sell in other countries. It was a very risky job, and many blockade runners were caught or sunk.
Lark's Exciting Journeys
The Lark was built by a company called John Laird & Sons. She was very good at her job. The ship made four successful trips through the Union blockade. She traveled between Galveston, Texas, in the South, and Havana, Cuba, where she could pick up and drop off goods.
A Close Call and Final Escape
In April 1865, the Lark had a dangerous moment. She ran aground, meaning she got stuck in the shallow water, near Galveston harbor. Two small boats from the Union navy attacked her. But the Lark fought back! With help from Confederate soldiers on land, she managed to defend herself and get free.
On May 24, 1865, the Lark made one last daring dash. She slipped into Galveston harbor one more time. Then, she managed to sneak back out to the open sea, getting past the Union blockade. This made her the very last Confederate blockade runner to successfully escape during the war. After the war, the Lark was eventually taken apart for scrap in 1896.
