CSS Tuscaloosa (ironclad) facts for kids
Sketch of sister ship CSS Huntsville, Mobile, Alabama, 1864
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Quick facts for kids History |
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 Confederate States |
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| Name | Tuscaloosa |
| Namesake | Tuscaloosa, Alabama |
| Builder | Confederate Naval Works at Selma |
| Laid down | 1862 |
| Launched | February 7, 1863 |
| Out of service | April 12, 1865 |
| Fate | Scuttled in Spanish River to prevent capture |
| General characteristics | |
| Length | 152 ft (46.3 m) |
| Beam | 34 ft (10.4 m) |
| Draught | 7 to 8 ft (2.1 to 2.4 m) |
| Propulsion | Steam |
| Speed | 3 knots (5.6 km/h; 3.5 mph) |
| Complement | 40 |
| Armament |
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The CSS Tuscaloosa was a special kind of warship called an ironclad. It was a steam-powered ship built for the Confederate States Navy during the American Civil War. Construction on this powerful vessel began in 1862.
Building a Warship
The Tuscaloosa was launched on February 7, 1863, in Selma, Alabama. Even though it was launched, it wasn't fully ready for battle yet. The ship then traveled down the river to Mobile, Alabama to be finished.
This ironclad was built with strong armor. It had 4 in (10.2 cm) thick iron plates. These plates were very important for protecting the ship during fights. They were made by companies like the Shelby Iron Company and the Atlanta Rolling Mill.
Service and Fate
Once completed, the Tuscaloosa served in the waters around Mobile, Alabama. It was commanded by an officer named Charles H. McBlair. The ship played a role in defending the area for the Confederacy.
In August 1864, a big battle happened called the Battle of Mobile Bay. After this battle, the Tuscaloosa managed to escape up the Tensaw River. Mobile city itself held out for another eight months. The upper part of Mobile Bay remained under Confederate control during this time.
However, as the war neared its end, the Tuscaloosa faced a difficult choice. On April 12, 1865, to stop it from being captured by Union forces, the ship was sunk on purpose. This act is called "scuttling." It was sunk in the Spanish River, just north of Mobile. Another Confederate ship, the CSS Huntsville, was also scuttled at the same time. The crew and valuable materials from the Tuscaloosa were moved to another ship, the CSS Nashville.
Years later, in 1985, the remains of the Tuscaloosa were found in the river.
