USS Union (1846) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids History |
|
|---|---|
 United States |
|
| Name | USS Union |
| Acquired | 14 November 1846 |
| Fate | Wrecked 16 December 1846 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Schooner |
| Propulsion | Sails |
The USS Union was a type of sailing ship called a schooner. It was part of the United States Navy for a very short time. This happened during the Mexican War.
The USS Union Schooner
A schooner is a sailing ship with at least two masts. These masts are usually set up so that the front mast is shorter than the back mast. Schooners are known for being fast and easy to handle.
A Ship in Wartime
Before it became the USS Union, this ship was a Mexican schooner. A US Navy warship, the USS Princeton, captured it. This happened near Tampico, Mexico, on November 14, 1846.
The US Navy then took over the ship. It officially joined the US Navy later that same month. Lieutenant John Ancrum Winslow was put in charge of the ship.
Its Short Journey
The USS Union was not very well equipped for its new role. It only served for a very brief time.
On December 16, 1846, the ship was wrecked. It ran aground on a reef near Veracruz, Mexico. This ended its short service with the US Navy.
