USS Iris (1847) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids History |
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| Name | USS Iris |
| Laid down | 1847 |
| Acquired | by purchase, 1847 |
| Commissioned | 25 October 1847 |
| Decommissioned | 16 December 1848 |
| Fate |
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| General characteristics | |
| Type | Steamship |
| Displacement | 388 long tons (394 t) |
| Length | 145 ft (44 m) |
| Beam | 27 ft (8.2 m) |
| Draft | 9 ft 9 in (2.97 m) |
| Propulsion | Steam engine |
| Complement | 70 |
| Armament | 1 × 32-pounder gun |
The first USS Iris was a wooden steamship that served in the United States Navy during the Mexican–American War. It was a special kind of ship because it used steam power and large paddle wheels to move through the water.
The USS Iris: A Ship in the Mexican-American War
The Iris was built in New York in 1847. The U.S. Navy bought it that same year. It officially started its service on October 25, 1847, at the New York Navy Yard. Commander Stephen B. Wilson was in charge of the ship.
Life at Sea: Helping the Army
Just one day after starting service, the Iris left New York Harbor. It sailed to Veracruz, Mexico, arriving on December 11. The ship stayed near Vera Cruz for almost a year. It made only two short trips away, one to Mobile, Alabama and another to Pensacola, Florida.
During the final months of the Mexican-American War, the Iris had important jobs. It helped to create a blockade along the Mexican coast. This meant it stopped enemy ships from getting in or out. It also protected the U.S. Army's supplies that traveled by water. After the war ended, the Iris stayed in the area. It watched over U.S. interests to make sure no new problems started.
End of Its Journey
The Iris left Vera Cruz on November 8 and arrived in Norfolk, Virginia on December 16. It was taken out of service on December 16, 1848, and sold soon after.
The ship was later known by a new name, Osprey, starting on March 9, 1849. Sadly, the ship was destroyed by fire in Kingston, Jamaica, on April 18, 1856.
