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USS Allegheny (I)
Allegheny class horizontal-wheel iron-hulled gunboat:
Laid down in 1844 prior to 11 November by Joseph Tomlinson and Co., at Pittsburgh, PA. as Allegheny, an iron-hulled steam gunboat propelled by two eight-bladed
horizontal wheels invented by LT. William W. Hunter
Launched, 22 February 1847
Commissioned USS Allegheny the same day, LT. William W. Hunter in command
Allegheny departed Pittsburgh and arrived at Memphis, TN., on 1 March
She remained there until 3 June fitting out, and reached New Orleans on 12 June for more work before sailing for the east coast, 26 August
At Norfolk, VA. her wheels were modified by the removal of every other paddle, leaving each with four
Allegheny departed Hampton Roads, 26 February 1848, for service on the Brazil station
The gunboat served along the Atlantic Coast of South America until early autumn when ordered to the Mediterranean
During a decade of revolutions in Europe Allegheny was charged with showing the American flag and affording protection to American citizens during this time of unrest
However, repeated problems with her engines caused her to head home in June 1849 reaching Washington Navy Yard 1 August
Following a fortnight's repairs, she sailed for the Mississippi passes to join the Home Squadron
However, continued failures with her propulsion system cut short her duty in the Gulf of Mexico; and she returned to Washington where she was placed in ordinary
In 1851, Allegheny was towed to Portsmouth, VA., where the firm of Mehaffy and Co, removed her Hunter wheels and rebuilt her as a screw steamer
In 1855 Allegheny was fitted out for service as a receiving ship for Baltimore where she took up this new role
During the Civil War she was sent to Annapolis for a short while to serve as receiving ship there and then back to Baltimore to serve as receiving ship until the end of the war.
Allegheny was towed to Norfolk in 1868 where she was decommissioned that year
Final Disposition, sold, 15 May 1869 to Sam Ward, fate unknown
Specifications:
Displacement 989 t.
Length 185'
Beam 33'4"
Depth of Hold 19'
Draft 13'6"
Speed 4.9 kts
Complement unknown
Armament
six 8-pdrs
six 32-pdrs
Propulsion steam
two eight-bladed horizontal wheels
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Allegheny I
Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships (DANFS)
This page is created and maintained by Gary P. Priolo
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Last Updated 3 June 2022