USS Decatur (1839) facts for kids
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USS Decatur
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Quick facts for kids History |
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 United States |
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| Laid down | date unknown |
| Launched | 1838 |
| Acquired | 1839 at New York Navy Yard |
| Commissioned | circa 16 March 1840 |
| Decommissioned | 20 June 1859 |
| In service | March 1863 |
| Out of service | 1865 |
| Stricken | 1865 (est.) |
| Fate | sold, 17 August 1865 |
| General characteristics | |
| Displacement | 566 tons |
| Length | 117 ft (36 m) |
| Beam | 32 ft (9.8 m) |
| Draft |
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| Propulsion | sail |
| Speed | 10 knots |
| Complement | 150 officers and men |
| Armament |
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The USS Decatur was a special type of warship called a sloop-of-war. She served in the United States Navy in the middle of the 1800s. Her main jobs were to protect American interests in the South Atlantic Ocean and to help stop the illegal African slave trade. The Decatur also played a part in both the Mexican–American War and the American Civil War.
This ship was named after Commodore Stephen Decatur (1779–1820). He was a very brave and important leader in the U.S. Navy during the early 1800s.
Contents
Building the Decatur
The Decatur was a large sloop, weighing 566 tons. She was built in 1838 and 1839 at the New York Navy Yard. The ship was equipped with powerful guns and had a crew of 150 sailors and officers.
Protecting Interests in the Atlantic
Early Missions in the South Atlantic
Under the command of H. W. Ogden, the Decatur left New York on March 16, 1840. She sailed to join the Brazil Squadron and returned to Norfolk, Virginia in February 1843.
Stopping the Slave Trade
From August 1843 to January 1845, the Decatur served with the African Squadron. Her mission was to stop the illegal slave trade. After this, she was put into storage for a while.
Service in the Mexican–American War
The Decatur sailed from Hampton Roads, Virginia in March 1847. After a short stop, she arrived off Castle Juan de Uloa, Mexico, in April. She was there to help in the Mexican–American War.
Supporting Land Attacks
The Decatur was too big to sail up the Tuxpan River. However, 14 of her officers and 118 sailors joined Commodore Matthew C. Perry's group to attack Tuxpan. The ship also sent 8 officers and 104 sailors to help capture Tabasco in June. The Decatur stayed in Mexican waters until September, then sailed to Boston, Massachusetts.
More Atlantic Ocean Operations
Patrolling for Slave Ships
The Decatur rejoined the African Squadron in February 1848. She patrolled the northwest coast of Africa, looking for slave ships and protecting U.S. interests. This mission lasted until November 1849. After another period in storage, she sailed from Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
Guarding Fishing Interests
The Decatur then joined the Home Squadron, sailing along the Atlantic Coast and in the Caribbean. She returned to Boston in August 1852 for repairs.
She was put back into service in July 1853. The Decatur joined a special group of ships. Their job was to protect American fishing boats in the North Atlantic Ocean.
Rescues and Searches
In August 1853, the Decatur rescued the crew of a British ship called Cleopatra. The Cleopatra had caught fire and sunk near the Gut of Canso. In early 1854, the Decatur searched for a missing merchant ship, the San Francisco, in the Caribbean. She then sailed from Norfolk in June to join the Pacific Squadron.
Adventures in the Pacific Ocean
Journey to Washington Territory
After a difficult journey through the Straits of Magellan, the Decatur arrived in Valparaíso, Chile, in January 1855. She then visited Honolulu from March to June. Sailing on, the Decatur entered the Strait of Juan de Fuca in July, heading for Washington Territory.
The Battle of Seattle
On December 7, 1855, while on her way to Seattle, the Decatur ran aground on rocks at Restoration Point, Bainbridge Island. Luckily, the rising tide helped her float free.
The Decatur stayed in the Pacific Northwest to help protect settlers from Native American attacks. She played a key role in the Battle of Seattle on January 26, 1856. During the battle, women and children were brought aboard the ship for safety. The ship's officers and crew helped defend the city. Even though there were rumors of many casualties, only two civilians were reported hurt. The Decatur was repaired and left Seattle in good condition.
Decatur Senior High School in Federal Way, Washington was named after the ship to remember her help in this defense. The Decatur sailed to San Francisco, California for supplies between August and September 1855.
Protecting U.S. Interests in Central and South America
In June 1856, the Decatur arrived at Mare Island Navy Yard for repairs. In January 1857, she sailed to Panama, stopping at Central American ports to protect U.S. interests. She sailed to Nicaragua in June to help American citizens leave the country. These citizens were involved with William Walker's expedition. The Decatur then cruised off Panama, Peru, and Chile until March 1859. She was then ordered back to Mare Island.
Civil War Service
The Decatur was taken out of service at Mare Island in June 1859. She remained in storage until March 1863. At that time, she was prepared to be a floating defense battery and was stationed off San Francisco.
End of Service
The Decatur was sold at Mare Island on August 17, 1865.
