The USS Columbine was a side-wheel steamer that served as a patrol vessel with the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron during the American Civil War. Originally built in 1850 in New York City as the A. H. Schultz, the vessel was later acquired by the Union Navy on December 12, 1862. After purchase, she was outfitted by Howe & Cope in New York City and placed under the command of Acting Master J. S. Dennis. Constructed as a tugboat, Columbine was repurposed for military service and primarily operated off Port Royal, South Carolina, from January 6, 1863, to February 14, 1864. During this period, she participated in blockading operations and an expedition up the St. Johns and Ocklawaha Rivers, during which she reportedly took one prize. Her role was mainly patrol and support within the Union blockade strategy. The vessel’s service ended during a Confederate ambush on May 22, 1864, at Horse Landing near St. Augustine, Florida. The ambush was orchestrated by Confederate cavalry under Captain John Jackson Dickison, who had been tipped off by Confederate spy Lola Sánchez. During the skirmish, Columbine was struck by enemy fire that damaged her rudder and steam pipe, rendering her uncontrollable. After a fierce 45-minute engagement, she ran aground. Acting Ensign Frank Sandborn surrendered the vessel, and the Confederates subsequently burned her to prevent her recapture by Union forces. The battle resulted in the wounding of more than half of her crew, with only one seaman reported killed. The destruction of Columbine was notable as one of the rare instances during the Civil War where a Union warship was destroyed by land-based Confederate forces in Florida. The wreck of the Columbine has only recently been discovered, and a historic marker now commemorates her loss, emphasizing her significance in naval and Civil War history.

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