HMS Congo (1816) facts for kids
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|} HMS Congo was a special ship in the Royal Navy. She was the very first warship built to use a steam engine. This ship was made in 1816 at Deptford Dockyard. Her main job was to explore the Congo River in Africa.
However, the steam engine didn't work as well as hoped. Because of this, it was taken out before the ship even started its first big journey.
Contents
| History | |
|---|---|
 United Kingdom |
|
| Name | HMS Congo |
| Ordered | 13 April 1815 |
| Builder |
|
| Laid down | October 1815 |
| Launched | 11 January 1816 |
| Completed | By 6 February 1816 |
| Reclassified |
|
| Fate | Sold on 15 March 1826 |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type |
|
| Tons burthen | 8257⁄94 (bm) |
| Length |
|
| Beam | 16 ft (4.9 m) |
| Draught | 4.25 ft (1.30 m) |
| Depth of hold | 8 ft 10 in (2.69 m) |
| Sail plan | 3-masted schooner |
| Complement | 240 |
| Armament |
|
Building a Steam Warship
Designing the Congo
The order for the Congo was placed on April 13, 1815. It was designed by a famous ship designer, Sir Robert Seppings. The ship's construction started in October 1815. It was officially launched into the water on January 11, 1816.
The Steam Engine Problem
The steam engine for the Congo was quite heavy, weighing about 30 tons. It was designed to produce 20 horsepower. This power was meant to turn large paddle wheels on the sides of the ship.
However, during tests, the engine could only make the ship move at about three knots. That's very slow! The ship also didn't handle well in the water. Because of these problems, the steam engine and its paddle wheels were removed.
James Watt Junior, whose father James Watt invented the steam engine, looked at the problem. He suggested the engine would be better used for pumping water out of docks. So, the Congo ended up sailing to Africa without its steam engine. Instead, it used sails, like a regular schooner.
The Congo River Expedition
Exploring the River
The main goal of the Congo was to explore and map the Congo River. This journey was led by James Hingston Tuckey. It was the first time anyone tried to map this river.
The expedition found that the lower part of the river was not easy to travel on. They could only go about 100 miles (160 km) from the sea before rapids blocked their way.
Challenges of the Journey
Sadly, many people on the expedition became very sick. Most of the crew who survived were those who stayed with a support ship, the Dorothy. It took another 50 years before Henry Morton Stanley finally mapped the entire river.
Later Life of the Congo
After its expedition, the Congo was changed into a "hulk" in 1819. A hulk is an old ship that is no longer used for sailing. It was kept in a place called the Swale.
Finally, on March 15, 1826, the Congo was sold. It was bought by a person named J. Harvey for £146.
