Black Hawk (Gunboat, 1862-1865)

Summary

• BOAT DESCRIPTION: Sidewheel
• BOAT TYPE: Gunboat
• BUILT: 1857 at New Albany, Indiana
• FORMERLY: New Uncle Sam
• FINAL DISPOSITION: Exploded and sank near Mound City, Illinois on April 22, 1865
• OWNERS: U.S. Navy (1862)
• RIVERS: Mississippi River
• OTHER INFORMATION: Ways - 0634; After purchase by the U.S. Navy in November 1862, the boat was refitted and renamed Black Hawk. She was used as Admiral Porter's flagship during the Civil War. From March 8-11, 1865 she was at Cincinnati anchored near the waterworks with Admiral Lee on board. On April 22, 1865 she was moored opposite Mound City, Illinois when she caught fire in her oil locker. She floated downstream a short way, the magazine exploded and she sank. The Peerless later hit the wreck and was lost. The Huntsville hit the wreck also but was salvaged. In October 1872 the Benton's wreck was removed by the snagboat Albert, a month-long operation