The USS Hatteras was a 1,126-ton iron-hulled steamer purchased by the Union Navy at the onset of the American Civil War. Originally named St. Mary, she was acquired from Harlan and Hollingsworth of Wilmington, Delaware, on September 25, 1861, and outfitted at the Philadelphia Navy Yard before being commissioned in October 1861 under Commander George F. Emmons. The vessel featured a side-wheel design, marking a transitional phase between wooden sailing ships and steam-powered vessels, and her hull was constructed of iron, emphasizing durability and modernity for her time. Hatteras was primarily assigned to the Union blockade of Confederate ports, initially operating off Florida and later in the Gulf of Mexico. She participated in significant raids, notably burning seven blockade runners at Cedar Key, Florida, and capturing numerous vessels laden with cotton, sugar, and other valuable cargoes. Her successes included capturing steamer Indian No. 2, schooner Magnolia, and other ships, which disrupted Confederate trade efforts and contributed to Union economic warfare strategies. In January 1863, Hatteras joined Rear Admiral David Farragut's squadron off Galveston, Texas. Her final engagement occurred on January 11, 1863, when she pursued and identified the Confederate raider CSS Alabama, which falsely claimed to be the British vessel HMS Spitfire. After a tense exchange of fire lasting about 20 minutes, Alabama revealed herself as the CSS Alabama and engaged Hatteras in battle. The Confederate raider inflicted severe damage, and Hatteras was badly holed, on fire, and beginning to sink. Commander Blake ordered the crew to abandon ship, and the Hatteras sank approximately 45 minutes after the combat began. Two crew members were killed, and five wounded; the rest, including Blake, were captured and paroled. The wreck of USS Hatteras lies in about 60 feet of water, approximately 20 miles south of Galveston, Texas. It remains an important historic site, preserved under the ownership of the U.S. Navy and protected from salvage by legal rulings favoring historic preservation. The site’s significance is enhanced by its side-wheel design and its role in Civil War naval history, representing a pivotal transition in maritime technology.

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