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NavSource Online: Service Ship Photo Archive

Gunboat Michigan
Wolverine (IX 31)


Gunboat: The Navy's first iron-hulled warship was built in 1842 at Pittsburgh, PA, in parts, and carried overland to Erie, PA where she was assembled; Launched, 5 December 1843; Commissioned as Michigan 2 September 1844; Renamed Wolverine, 17 June 1905 to clear the name Michigan for Battleship No. 27 and reclassified as Unclassified Miscellaneous Auxiliary IX-31; Decommissioned, 6 May 1912 and turned over to the Pennsylvania Naval Militia as a training ship. Mechanical problems ended her active career on 12 August 1923. Loaned to the city of Erie, PA as a relic in 1927. Struck from the Naval Register, (date unknown); Sold, 19 July 1948 to the Foundation for the Preservation of the Original USS Michigan Inc. Sold again, 1949 for scrap.

Specifications: Displacement 686 t.; Length 163' 3"; Beam 27' 1"; Draft 9'; Speed 8 kts; Complement 88; Armament one 18-pounder; Propulsion steam driven, side wheeler.
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Size Image Description Source
Michigan 78k As USS Michigan, starboard stern quarter, underway. c. 1844. National Archives
Wolverine 50k Wolverine, anchored in Pine Lake. She was the only U. S. gunboat to patrol the Great lakes. Sam Inman

View the Wolverine DANFS History
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