USS Colorado (1856) facts for kids
USS Colorado
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| History | |
|---|---|
 United States |
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| Name | Colorado |
| Namesake | Colorado River |
| Builder | Norfolk Navy Yard |
| Laid down | 1856 |
| Launched | 19 June 1856 |
| Sponsored by | Ms. N. S. Dornin |
| Commissioned | 13 March 1858 |
| Decommissioned | 8 June 1876 |
| Fate | Sold, 18 February 1885 |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | none |
| Type | Screw frigate |
| Displacement | 3,425 long tons (3,480 t) |
| Length | 263 ft 8 in (80.37 m) |
| Beam | 52 ft 6 in (16.00 m) |
| Draft | 22 ft 1 in (6.73 m) |
| Propulsion | Steam engine |
| Sail plan | Three masts |
| Speed | 9 kn (10 mph; 17 km/h) |
| Complement | 674 officers and men |
| Armament |
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| General characteristics 1864 | |
| Class and type | none |
| Armament |
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| General characteristics 1871 | |
| Class and type | none |
| Armament |
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The first USS Colorado was a large, steam-powered warship from the 1800s. It was a "screw frigate," meaning it used a propeller (a "screw") for power, along with sails. This ship was named after the Colorado River. It was built at the Norfolk Navy Yard and launched on June 19, 1856. The ship was officially put into service on March 13, 1858, with Captain W. H. Gardner in charge.
Early Missions
The Colorado began its first journey from Boston on May 12, 1858. It sailed to waters near Cuba. Its mission was to help stop British warships from searching American ships. This was a time when tensions were high between the two countries. The Colorado completed this task by August 6 and then returned to Boston. It remained out of active service until 1861.
Life as a Receiving Ship
The Colorado returned to New York on May 30, 1876. It was taken out of active service on June 8. From 1876 to 1884, the ship served a different purpose. It became a "Receiving Ship" at the New York Navy Yard. A receiving ship was like a floating barracks. It provided living quarters for sailors who were waiting to be assigned to other ships. It also served as a place for new recruits to learn about navy life.
End of Service
The USS Colorado was sold on February 14, 1885, to a private company. The ship was then taken apart for its useful materials. Its wooden parts were burned to get to the valuable copper fastenings inside. This marked the end of the Colorado's long service to the United States Navy.
Images for kids
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A posed photograph of U.S. Navy officers holding a council of war aboard Colorado off Korea, in June 1871, prior to the Korean Expedition. The ship's commanding officer, Captain George H. Cooper, is seated at center, and the Asiatic Squadron's commander, Rear Admiral John Rodgers, leans over the table at right.
