USS Fredonia (1845) facts for kids
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USS Fredonia (1845) was a ship that worked for the U.S. Navy. She was an 800-ton bark, which is a type of sailing ship. Her main jobs were carrying supplies and acting as a floating warehouse. Fredonia made several long trips to California, sailing all the way around Cape Horn at the tip of South America. Later, she became a permanent supply ship in Arica, Chile. Sadly, an earthquake and a giant wave destroyed her there.
The Fredonia was built in 1845 in Newburyport, Massachusetts. The U.S. Navy bought her in Boston, Massachusetts, on December 14, 1846. She cost $52,000. The ship was set up to be a storeship, meaning she would carry supplies. On January 5, 1847, she officially started her service under Lieutenant C. W. Chauncey.
Contents
| History | |
|---|---|
 United States |
|
| Laid down | date unknown |
| Launched | 1845 |
| Acquired | 14 December 1846 |
| Commissioned | 5 January 1847 |
| Decommissioned | 18 January 1851 |
| In service | 1852 |
| Out of service | 13 August 1868 |
| Stricken | 1868 (est.) |
| Fate |
|
| General characteristics | |
| Tonnage | 800 |
| Length | 160 ft (49 m) |
| Beam | 32 ft 11 in (10.03 m) |
| Depth of hold | 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) |
| Propulsion | sail |
| Speed | varied |
| Complement | 37 |
| Armament | four 24-pounder Carronades |
- Carrying Troops to California
- Becoming a Permanent Storeship
- Fredonia Destroyed by Earthquake and Tsunami
Fredonia in the Mexican-American War
Fredonia was sent to join the Home Squadron, a group of ships. She sailed from Boston on January 9, 1847, heading for the east coast of Mexico. By February 16, she arrived near Anton Lizardo. She stayed there until October.
Helping Ships and Supplying the Squadron
While in Mexico, Fredonia helped other ships that were in trouble. She also acted as a guard ship. Her most important job was giving out food, wood, water, weapons, and ammunition. She supplied the squadron led by Commodores David Conner and Matthew C. Perry. These commanders were busy attacking and taking over cities like Vera Cruz, Tuxpan, and Tabasco in Mexico.
Before heading home on October 8, Fredonia took on sick sailors and men whose time in the Navy was over. She carried them back to New York City, arriving on November 22.
Last Trip to the Gulf of Mexico
The storeship made one more trip to the Gulf of Mexico with supplies. This was before the Mexican–American War ended. She left New York on January 9, 1848. By February 9, she was near Sacrificios. In June, she sailed for home. She stopped in Pensacola, Florida, to drop off hospital supplies. On July 23, she arrived in Norfolk, Virginia. There, she dropped off a group of U.S. Marines and more sick sailors from the Gulf Squadron.
Voyages to the U.S. West Coast
In October 1848, Fredonia went to New York City. She was loaded with cargo meant for the west coast of the United States. She left New York on December 11. After long stops in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Valparaíso, Chile, and Callao, Peru, she finally reached San Francisco Bay on July 31, 1849.
Staying on the West Coast
Fredonia stayed on the west coast for a year. She left San Francisco, California, on July 4, 1850. She had to stop in Valparaíso for urgent repairs. Finally, she arrived back in New York City on January 7, 1851. She was officially taken out of service on January 18. She was then stored at the New York Navy Yard.
Carrying Troops to California
In 1852, Fredonia was used again. This time, she carried soldiers from the 4th Infantry. She also transported their equipment and supplies to California. She sailed from New York on November 21. She arrived in San Francisco on June 19, 1853.
Becoming a Permanent Storeship
After her troop transport mission, Fredonia sailed to Valparaíso, Chile. She arrived there on September 12. At Valparaíso, she was changed into a permanent storeship for the Pacific Squadron. This meant she would stay in one place and act as a floating warehouse for other Navy ships. She served in this role for fifteen years. She was stationed at Valparaíso until 1862. Then, the Wyoming towed her to Callao, Peru.
Fredonia Destroyed by Earthquake and Tsunami
In 1868, there was a serious outbreak of yellow fever in Callao. Because of this, Fredonia was moved to Arica. At that time, Arica was on the southern coast of Peru. Later, it became part of Chile.
The Disaster Strikes
On August 13, 1868, a terrible earthquake hit. The first strong shock happened around 5:05 p.m. More shocks followed, and then a huge tsunami (a giant ocean wave). The U.S. Navy gunboat Wateree was also anchored in Arica's harbor. The tsunami washed the Wateree ashore. But Fredonia was completely broken apart. Sadly, 27 lives were lost from her crew.
Survivors and Aftermath
Only five people from Fredonia's crew survived. Three officers were on shore when the disaster happened. Two enlisted men were rescued the next morning from parts of the broken ship. This earthquake was reported to be one of the most powerful and widespread ever in South America. It destroyed not only Arica but also many other large cities on the west side of the Peruvian Andes Mountains.
