USS Savannah (1842) facts for kids
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Quick facts for kids History |
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  United States |
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| Name | Savannah |
| Builder | New York Navy Yard |
| Laid down | 1820 |
| Launched | 5 May 1842 |
| Decommissioned | 11 February 1862 |
| Out of service | 1870 |
| Fate | Sold, 1883 |
| Notes | Razeed to sloop of war in 1857 |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | Brandywine |
| Type | Frigate |
| Tonnage | 1726 |
| Beam | 47 ft (14 m) |
| Depth of hold | 22 ft 8 in (6.91 m) |
| Propulsion | Sail |
| Complement | 480 officers and enlisted |
| Armament |
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The second USS Savannah was a large sailing warship called a frigate in the United States Navy. She was named after the city of Savannah, Georgia. This ship played an important role in American history, especially during the Mexican–American War and the American Civil War.
Contents
Building the USS Savannah
The Savannah was started way back in 1820 at the New York Navy Yard. However, it took a long time to build her. She wasn't officially launched into the water until May 5, 1842. She was one of nine frigates built using a special design by a naval architect named William Doughty.
Early Missions in the Pacific
In 1844, the Savannah became the main ship, or flagship, for the Pacific Squadron. This group of ships patrolled the Pacific Ocean. Captain Andrew Fitzhugh was in charge of the Savannah at this time.
The Mexican-American War
As the possibility of war with Mexico grew, the Pacific Squadron moved closer to the coast of California. On July 7, 1846, the squadron, including Savannah, successfully took control of Monterey. They did this without firing a single shot! After her duties, Savannah returned to New York for repairs in September 1847.
Later Service and Changes
Savannah served as the flagship for the Pacific Squadron again from 1849 to 1852. After more repairs in Norfolk, Virginia, she sailed for a three-year trip to the Brazil Station in 1853. This was a naval base off the coast of Brazil.
Becoming a Sloop-of-War
In 1856, Savannah was taken out of active service. The next year, in 1857, she was "razeed." This means parts of her upper deck were removed, making her smaller. She was changed from a frigate into a 24-gun sloop-of-war. After this change, she served as the flagship for the Home Squadron off the east coast of Mexico in 1859 and 1860.
The Battle of Anton Lizardo
In 1860, the USS Savannah took part in a small fight called the Battle of Anton Lizardo. She fought alongside the USS Saratoga and two other ships. During this battle, two armed Mexican ships were captured by the Americans. The Mexican government had declared these ships to be pirates.
Service During the Civil War
When the American Civil War began in 1861, Savannah was sent to patrol off the coast of Georgia. Here, she helped capture two ships that belonged to the Confederate side: the schooner E. J. Waterman and the ship Cheshire.
A Training Ship
On February 11, 1862, Savannah was taken out of active fighting duty. She was then used as a training ship at the United States Naval Academy. This meant she helped teach future naval officers.
While she was a training ship, one of her commanders, Captain Edward Gabriel André Barrett, wrote two important books. These books, "NAVAL HOWITZER" and "GUNNERY INSTRUCTIONS," helped quickly train new officers.
The End of Her Journey
In 1870, Savannah completed her last training trip, sailing to England and France. After this, she was stored at the Norfolk Navy Yard. She stayed there until 1883, when she was sold to a company called E. Stannard and Company.
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