USS Washington (1776 row galley) facts for kids
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Quick facts for kids History |
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 United States |
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| Name | USS Washington |
| Namesake | George Washington |
| Ordered | in 1775 by the Rhode Island General Assembly |
| In service | January 1776 |
| Out of service | August 1776 |
| Fate | Unknown |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Row galley |
| Propulsion | Oars |
| Complement | 60 |
| Armament | One 18-pounder gun |
The USS Washington was a special kind of boat called a row galley. It was powered by 60 rowers! This ship was used by the American forces during the American Revolutionary War in 1776. Row galleys were very good at moving around because they used oars, unlike sailing ships that depended on the wind.
The Washington had one big battle. It attacked some British warships but had to row away when the fight got too tough. After that, there aren't many records of what happened to the Washington in the Continental Navy.
Building a New Ship
In the fall of 1775, the leaders in Rhode Island decided to build two row galleys. These ships were named Washington and Spitfire. By January 1776, they put John Grimes in charge of these new boats.
During the winter and spring of 1776, the Washington and Spitfire worked in Narragansett Bay. Their job was to:
- Protect other ships from the colony.
- Carry soldiers from one place to another.
- Help groups looking for food and supplies.
The Rhode Island leaders wanted these galleys to be strong. They decided each ship should carry 60 people and have 15 oars on each side. They also wanted a powerful 18-pounder gun at the front and several smaller swivel guns.
In July, the Washington and other galleys were sent to New York City. They joined a small group of boats that George Washington was getting ready on the Hudson River. This is when the Washington likely started working for the main American forces.
On August 3, the Washington was the lead ship for Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Tupper. He led an attack on two British warships, the Phoenix and the Rose.
The battle began when the British ship Phoenix started shooting at the American galleys. The fight lasted about two hours. The American boats then pulled back to a place called Dobb's Ferry. During this battle, four Americans were killed, and 14 more were hurt. The British ship Phoenix was hit twice and was badly damaged.
Where Did It Go?
After the British took control of Manhattan Island later that summer, there are no more official reports about the Washington or its sister galleys. Its final fate remains a mystery.
