USS Columbus (1819) facts for kids
USS Columbus
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Quick facts for kids History |
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| Name | USS Columbus |
| Builder | Washington Navy Yard |
| Launched | 1 March 1819 |
| Commissioned | 7 September 1819 |
| Decommissioned | March 1848 |
| Fate | Scuttled, 20 April 1861 |
| General characteristics | |
| Tonnage | 2480 |
| Length | 191 ft 9 in (58.45 m) |
| Beam | 53 ft 5 in (16.28 m) |
| Draft | 25 ft (7.6 m) |
| Complement | 780 officers and men |
| Armament | 68 × 32-pounder (15 kg) guns, 24 × 42-pounder (19 kg) carronades |
The USS Columbus was a large ship of the line in the United States Navy. It had 90 guns and was a powerful warship. The ship was built at the Washington Navy Yard and was launched on March 1, 1819. It officially joined the Navy on September 7, 1819. A worker named Michael Shiner recorded the ship's launch in his diary.
Contents
Early Voyages and Important Cases
The Columbus began its first journey from Norfolk, Virginia, on April 28, 1820. It served as the main ship for Commodore William Bainbridge in the Mediterranean Sea. The ship returned to Boston on July 23, 1821.
The James Hutton Freedom Case
In 1824, an important legal case happened involving a seaman named James Hutton. He was seeking his freedom. His lawyer was Francis Scott Key, who wrote "The Star-Spangled Banner." A judge decided that because Hutton had served as a seaman on the Columbus and another ship, it showed he should be free. This decision helped Hutton gain his freedom.
Serving in Different Squadrons
After 1833, the Columbus was used as a receiving ship in Boston. This meant it was used to house new sailors. On August 29, 1842, it sailed to the Mediterranean again. This time, it was the main ship for Commodore Charles W. Morgan.
In February 1843, the ship left Genoa, Italy. It arrived in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in July. There, it became the main ship for the Brazil Squadron, led by Commodore Daniel Turner. The Columbus returned to New York City in May 1844 for repairs.
Voyage to Asia and the Mexican-American War
In June 1845, Commodore James Biddle boarded the Columbus. He was the commander of the East India Squadron. The ship sailed to Canton, China. On December 31, Commodore Biddle signed the first trade agreement between America and China.
Attempting to Open Trade with Japan
The Columbus stayed in China until April 1846. Then, it sailed to Japan. The goal was to try and open Japan to trade with America. On July 19, the ship reached Uraga Channel with another ship, the USS Vincennes. However, they were not successful in opening trade at that time.
Role in the Mexican-American War
When the Mexican–American War began, the Columbus was called back. It reached Valparaíso, Chile, in December. By March 2, 1847, it arrived off Monterey, California. The ship was too large to be very helpful in the California part of the war. So, it sailed from San Francisco on July 25 and arrived back in Norfolk on March 3, 1848.
Life on Board and Final Fate
In 1845, a writer named Charles Nordhoff joined the Columbus as a boy. He was 15 years old and served for three years. He later wrote about his adventures in his book, Man-of-War Life: a Boy's Experience in the U. S. Navy.
The Columbus stayed at the Norfolk Navy Yard until April 20, 1861. During the start of the American Civil War, Union forces sank the ship. They did this to stop it from falling into the hands of the Confederate forces.
Images for kids
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A plan of the USS Columbus showing its sails.
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This picture from 1847 shows sailors climbing the masts on the USS Columbus.
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