CSS Patrick Henry facts for kids
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|} The CSS Patrick Henry was a special ship from the American Civil War. It was first built in New York City in 1859. A famous builder named William Henry Webb created it.
This ship started as a regular passenger and cargo steamer. It was called the Yorktown. It sailed between Richmond, Virginia and New York City.
When Virginia decided to leave the Union on April 17, 1861, the Yorktown was in the James River. It was taken by the Virginia State Navy. Later, it was given to the Confederate Navy on June 8, 1861.
Commander John Randolph Tucker was in charge of the ship. He ordered the Yorktown to be changed into a gunboat. It was renamed Patrick Henry to honor Patrick Henry, a hero of the American Revolution. The ship also became the first main ship of the James River Squadron.
Contents
| History | |
|---|---|
 Confederate States |
|
| Name | Patrick Henry |
| Namesake | Patrick Henry |
| Launched | 1859 |
| Christened | (as Yorktown) |
| Commissioned | 17 April 1861 |
| Fate | Burned to prevent capture 3 April 1865 |
| General characteristics | |
| Displacement | 1300 tons |
| Length | 250 ft (76 m) |
| Beam | 34 ft (10 m) |
| Draft | 13 ft (4.0 m) |
| Propulsion | steam |
| Complement | 150 officers and men |
| Armament | 1 × 10-inch (254 mm) smooth-bore, 1 × 64 pounder (29 kg), 6 × 8-inch (203 mm) guns, 2 × 32 pounder (15 kg) rifles |
The Ship's Journey and Battles
Even after being renamed, many people still called the ship Yorktown. It was placed near Mulberry Island in the James River. Its job was to protect the side of the Confederate Army of the Peninsula.
Early Actions
On September 13, 1861, and again on December 2, Commander Tucker took Patrick Henry down the river. He went about 1.5 miles above Newport News, Virginia. He fired at the Federal ships from far away. He hoped to make some of their gunboats come out and fight. They did not, but Tucker still caused some small damage.
Battle of Hampton Roads
Patrick Henry played a part in the famous Battle of Hampton Roads on March 8, 1862. In this battle, the CSS Virginia destroyed two Federal warships, the USS Cumberland and the USS Congress.
Patrick Henry tried to get the Congress to surrender. But shore batteries fired at Patrick Henry. A shell hit its steam chest, and four men died. The ship was pulled away to be fixed. It soon returned to its position.
The next day, March 9, 1862, was historic. Virginia fought against the USS Monitor. Patrick Henry fired at Monitor from a distance. The Confederate Congress later thanked all the officers and men for their brave actions during the two-day battle.
Later Operations
Patrick Henry was also involved in other actions with Virginia. On May 5, 1862, in a daring night operation, it helped move Confederate property. This was done from the Norfolk Navy Yard before it was given up to the Federal forces.
After Norfolk, Virginia surrendered on May 10, 1862, the James River Squadron moved up the river. This included Patrick Henry. They went to Drewry's Bluff. There, they stopped Federal ships that were chasing them on May 15.
Academy Ship
In May 1862, Patrick Henry was chosen to be an academy ship. It was changed to fit this new role. In October 1863, Patrick Henry became home to the floating Confederate States Naval Academy at Drewry's Bluff.
Fifty-two midshipmen, who were like naval cadets, started their training there. Lieutenant William Harwar Parker was in charge. The number of students later grew to sixty, with thirteen teachers. Sometimes, the ship would take part in battles with the midshipmen on board.
The End of the Ship
When Richmond was left by the Confederates on April 3, 1865, Patrick Henry was burned. This was done to stop the Federal forces from capturing it. The midshipmen from the ship were given an important job. They had to deliver a treasury of about $500,000 to the new government location in Danville, Virginia. When they were no longer needed, each midshipman received $40 in gold. This money helped them get back to their homes.
Commanders
These were the commanders of the CSS Patrick Henry:
- Captain John Randolph Tucker (1861 – June 1862)
- Lieutenant William Harwar Parker (1863 – end of war)
See also
In Spanish: CSS Patrick Henry para niños
