USS Hornet (1865) facts for kids
USS Hornet
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Quick facts for kids History |
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  United States |
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| Laid down | 1864 |
| Launched | 1864 |
| Christened | Lady Stirling |
| Completed | 1864 |
| Acquired | 28 October 1864 |
| Decommissioned | 15 December 1865 |
| Renamed | USS Hornet, 25 April 1865 |
| Captured | 1864 |
| Fate | Sold, 1869 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Sidewheel steamer, blockade runner |
| Displacement | 835 tons |
| Length | 242 ft (74 m) |
| Beam | 26 ft 6 in (8.08 m) |
| Draft | 13 ft 3 in (4.04 m) |
The USS Hornet was a ship that served in the United States Navy. It was the fifth ship to be named "Hornet." Before it became the USS Hornet, it had a different name: CSS Lady Stirling. This ship was built in London in 1864. It was a special kind of ship called a blockade runner for the Confederate States Navy during the American Civil War. The US Navy captured the Lady Stirling on October 28, 1864, near Wilmington, North Carolina, after it was badly damaged.
The Ship's Journey
After the US Navy captured the Lady Stirling, a special court called a prize court decided that the ship now belonged to the US government. The US Navy then bought the ship. It was repaired and given weapons.
On April 25, 1865, the ship was officially named USS Hornet. It then joined the US Navy fleet. The Hornet mostly worked in the Chesapeake Bay area. In October 1865, the Hornet had an important job. It helped escort a Confederate warship, the CSS Stonewall, from Cuba back to the United States.
After the War
The USS Hornet was taken out of service on December 15, 1865. This means it was no longer an active navy ship. In 1869, it was sold to private owners.
After the American Civil War, the Hornet was involved in some secret missions to Cuba. These missions were sometimes called "filibustering expeditions." This means people were trying to help rebels in Cuba fight for their freedom. The ship was known by two names during this time: Hornet and Cuba. For example, in January 1871, it tried to deliver weapons and supplies to Cuban rebels during a conflict known as the Ten Years' War. However, this mission was not successful.
See also
- Blockade runners of the American Civil War
- Ships captured in the American Civil War
