USS Plymouth (1844) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids History |
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  United States |
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| Name | USS Plymouth |
| Namesake | Plymouth, Massachusetts |
| Builder | Boston Navy Yard |
| Laid down | 16 June 1843 |
| Launched | 11 October 1843 |
| In service | circa 3 April 1844 |
| Out of service | 20 April 1861 |
| Fate | Scuttled to prevent capture, 20 April 1861 |
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| Name | CSS Plymouth |
| In service | 23 June 1861 |
| Homeport | Gosport Navy Yard |
| Fate |
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| General characteristics | |
| Type | Sloop of War |
| Displacement | 989 tons |
| Length | 147 ft 6 in (44.96 m) (lbp) |
| Beam | 38 ft 1 in (11.61 m) |
| Depth of hold | 17 ft 2 in (5.23 m) |
| Propulsion | Sail |
| Sail plan | Ship-Rigged |
| Speed | not known |
| Boats & landing craft carried |
1x Launch, 2x Cutters, 2x Quarterboats, 1x Stern boat |
| Complement | 210 |
| Armament |
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The USS Plymouth was a type of warship called a sloop-of-war. This kind of ship was smaller than a frigate but still carried many guns. The Plymouth was built and started service just before the Mexican–American War (1846-1848). She had many powerful guns.
This ship traveled all the way to Japan as part of Commodore Matthew C. Perry's mission. His goal was to convince Japan to open its ports for trade with other countries. The Plymouth also served in waters near Europe and in the Caribbean Sea. Later in her career, she was used to train young sailors, known as midshipmen, who were learning to become officers.
Plymouth was the first ship in the United States Navy to be named after Plymouth, Massachusetts. This town is located on Plymouth Bay, about 35 mi (56 km) southeast of Boston, Massachusetts. Plymouth was founded in 1620 by the Pilgrims, who were early European settlers.
Contents
Building the USS Plymouth
The USS Plymouth was built at the Boston Navy Yard. She left Boston, Massachusetts, on April 3, 1844. Her first journey was to the Mediterranean Sea, with Commander Henry Henry in charge.
After spending more than a year in European waters, the ship sailed west. She arrived back in New York City on October 4, 1846.
Journeys to Distant Lands
After serving along the U.S. East Coast, Plymouth left New York City again on February 13, 1848. This time, she was heading to the Far East. She returned to Norfolk, Virginia, from the East Indies on January 29, 1851. On August 23, 1851, she sailed out from Hampton Roads, Virginia, once more heading for Asia.
Visiting Japan
The Plymouth served with the East India Squadron. She then joined Commodore Matthew C. Perry's expedition to Japan. The ship entered Edo Bay on July 8, 1853, and left on July 17. She came back in February of the next year. Before heading home, she stopped in Shanghai. There, a group from the ship went ashore to help British and American forces. They were working together against enemy forts in the area.
Training Future Sailors
The Plymouth returned to Norfolk, Virginia, on January 11, 1855. She then began a long period of service in the Atlantic Ocean. During the summers of 1855 and 1856, she was used as a training ship for midshipmen.
In 1858, she tested new weapons under the command of Commander John A. Dahlgren. The Plymouth continued her role as a training ship for midshipmen during the summers of 1859 and 1860.
The Civil War and Her End
The Plymouth was in Norfolk, Virginia, for repairs during the time when Southern states were leaving the Union in 1860–1861. This period led to the American Civil War.
Captured and Reclaimed
After Virginia decided to leave the Union, the ship was sunk on purpose (scuttled) and partly burned on April 20, 1861. This was done to stop her from being captured by the forces of the Confederate States of America when the Gosport Navy Yard fell into their hands.
The Confederates managed to raise the ship by June 23, 1861. This was difficult because she was stuck 30 feet (9.1 meters) deep in mud and water. They planned to sail her up the James River to Richmond. However, the Union forces took back the Navy Yard on May 10, 1862. The Plymouth had not been moved. To prevent the Union from getting her, the Confederates sank her again. She was later raised one more time. Her damaged hull was sold at an auction on February 8, 1864.
See also
In Spanish: USS Plymouth (1844) para niños
