USS Boston (1825) facts for kids
USS Boston
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Quick facts for kids History |
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 United States |
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| Name | USS Boston |
| Namesake | Boston, Massachusetts |
| Builder | Boston Navy Yard |
| Launched | 15 October 1825 |
| Commissioned | 1826 |
| Fate | Wrecked 15 November 1846 |
| General characteristics | |
| Displacement | 700 long tons (710 t) |
| Length | 127 ft (39 m) |
| Beam | 33 ft 9 in (10.29 m) |
| Draft | 16 ft (4.9 m) |
| Speed | 11 kn (13 mph; 20 km/h) |
| Complement | 125 |
| Armament | 20 × 24 pdr (11 kg) smoothbore guns |
The USS Boston was a special kind of warship called a sloop of war. It had 18 guns and was the fourth ship in the United States Navy to be named Boston. This ship was built at the Boston Navy Yard and was ready for action in 1826.
What Was the USS Boston?
The USS Boston was a sailing ship designed for naval missions. It was about 127 feet long and could travel at speeds up to 11 knots (about 12.6 miles per hour). It carried 125 crew members and was armed with 20 powerful guns. These guns were 24-pounder smoothbore guns, meaning they fired cannonballs weighing 24 pounds.
Where Did the USS Boston Serve?
The USS Boston traveled to many different parts of the world during its time in service. It spent a lot of time protecting American interests and showing the flag in various regions.
- Brazil Station (1826-1829): The ship's first assignment was off the coast of Brazil.
- Mediterranean Station (1830-1832): After Brazil, it sailed to the Mediterranean Sea.
- West Indies Squadron (1836-1839): Later, the Boston joined the squadron that patrolled the Caribbean Sea.
- East Indies (1841-1843): It even sailed all the way to the Malay Archipelago, which includes islands like Indonesia and Malaysia.
- Brazil Station (1843-1846): The ship returned to Brazil for another tour of duty.
For most of these ten years, the Boston was actively sailing and serving. It only had two short breaks when it was docked for maintenance at the New York Navy Yard.
The Final Voyage and Loss
In 1846, the USS Boston was ordered to join the Home Squadron. This squadron was led by Commodore Conner and was blockading the east coast of Mexico. A blockade means they were stopping ships from entering or leaving Mexican ports.
However, the Boston never reached its new station. On 15 November 1846, while sailing to Mexico, the ship ran into a sudden, strong storm called a squall. It was wrecked off Eleuthera Island in The Bahamas. Even though the ship was completely destroyed, thankfully, all the sailors on board were saved.
