CSS Palmetto State was a Richmond class casemate ironclad ram built for the Confederate States Navy during the American Civil War. Laid down in January 1862 at Cameron & Company's shipyard in Charleston, South Carolina, she was completed in 1862 and played a significant role in defending Charleston Harbor. The vessel measured approximately 174 feet in overall length, with a length between perpendiculars of about 150 feet, a maximum beam of 43 feet, and a molded beam of 32 feet. Her depth of hold was around 12 feet, and her draft was approximately 12 to 14 feet, depending on sources. Constructed with a traditional hull design featuring a casemate, Palmetto State was fitted with 4 inches of iron armor backed by 22 inches of wood, providing substantial protection against enemy fire. Her casemate housed her main armament, which included one or two Brooke rifles and several smoothbore guns, although reports vary on her exact armament configuration—ranging from two to ten 7-inch Brooke rifles and additional smoothbores. She was equipped with a spar torpedo in 1863 for offensive operations. Powered by twin single-cylinder, direct-acting steam engines from the gunboat CSS Lady Davis, she used steam generated by horizontal fire-tube boilers built locally. Her propulsion system drove a single propeller, enabling a speed of approximately 6 to 7 knots. Her crew comprised about 120 men. Notably, CSS Palmetto State participated in a daring surprise attack on Union blockaders off Charleston on January 31, 1863. She rammed and engaged USS Mercedita, forcing her surrender, and caused other Union vessels to withdraw temporarily. Throughout her service, she also contributed to the defense of Charleston during Union assaults and was recognized for her crew’s valor during operations such as the evacuation of troops from Fort Wagner. In February 1865, as Union forces advanced and Charleston was evacuated, Palmetto State was deliberately burned by her crew to prevent her capture, marking the end of her service. Her construction, armament, and combat actions underscore her significance as a Confederate ironclad in the Civil War naval theater.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.