CSS Resolute facts for kids
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The CSS Resolute' was a small but important tugboat that served the Confederate States Navy during the American Civil War. Built in 1858 in Savannah, Georgia, it was first named Ajax. This steam-powered boat played many roles, from towing larger ships to carrying supplies and even helping soldiers.
Contents
| History | |
|---|---|
 Confederate States |
|
| Name | Resolute |
| Launched | 1858 |
| Commissioned | 1861 |
| Fate | Grounded and destroyed 12 December 1864 |
| General characteristics | |
| Displacement | 322 tons |
| Propulsion | steam engine |
| Complement | 35 officers and men |
| Armament | none |
Resolute Joins the War
The Resolute began its service with the Confederate Navy in 1861. It worked as a tow boat, pulling other vessels. It also served as a transport ship, moving goods and people. Sometimes, it was a receiving ship, taking in new recruits or supplies. It also acted as a tender, supporting the larger sidewheeler CSS Savannah. The Resolute mostly operated in the waters near Georgia and South Carolina.
Facing the Union Fleet
In early November 1861, the Resolute faced a big challenge. Under Lieutenant John Pembroke Jones, it joined other Confederate ships like the CSS Lady Davis, CSS Sampson, and Savannah. Their mission was to bother a much larger Union fleet. This Union fleet was getting ready to attack important Confederate forts. These forts were located at Port Royal Sound, South Carolina.
Battle of Port Royal
On November 7, 1861, the Union fleet launched its attack. The Union ships, led by Flag Officer Samuel Francis du Pont, heavily shelled Fort Walker and Fort Beauregard. The Resolute had been sent to Savannah with messages during this time. When it returned, the forts had been abandoned. The Resolute then helped evacuate the soldiers from Fort Walker. After that, it went to Pope's Landing on Hilton Head Island to disable Confederate cannons.
Supporting Fort Pulaski
Later that same month, on November 26, the Resolute took part in another action. Along with the Sampson and Savannah, it sailed from near Fort Pulaski. They made a quick attack on Union ships at the mouth of the Savannah River. On January 28, 1862, the Resolute again helped Fort Pulaski. It delivered important supplies to the fort. This was done despite strong opposition from Federal ships.
Final Battle and Capture
On December 12, 1864, the Resolute was on a mission to destroy a railway bridge. This bridge, part of the Charleston and Savannah Railway, crossed the Savannah River. The Resolute was working with the gunboats CSS Macon and Sampson. During this mission, it came under heavy fire from a Union artillery battery.
Collision and Destruction
The Resolute was hit twice but not badly damaged at first. However, during their retreat, it accidentally crashed into the two other gunboats. This collision disabled the Resolute. While the other gunboats managed to escape, the Resolute ran aground. It got stuck on Argyle Island in the Savannah River. On the same day, soldiers from the Union army captured the Resolute. These soldiers were part of General William T. Sherman's forces. After its capture, the Resolute was destroyed.
