The USS Owasco was a Unadilla-class gunboat constructed for the Union Navy during the American Civil War. Launched on October 5, 1861, at Mystic, Connecticut, by Charles Mallory, she was delivered to the Navy at the New York Navy Yard on December 6, 1861, and commissioned there on January 23, 1862, under the command of Lieutenant John Guest. As a "ninety-day gunboat," her service was focused on key blockade and support operations along the Gulf Coast and Mississippi River. The vessel departed New York on February 5, 1862, and arrived at Key West, Florida, ten days later, where she joined Commander David D. Porter's mortar flotilla. Owasco's early service involved towing schooners Eugenia and President, which were laden with cotton bound for Havana, capturing them en route on March 16, 1862. She played a pivotal role in the Union campaign to capture New Orleans, supporting the bombardment of Confederate forts St. Philip and Jackson by towing schooners into position below the forts in April. During the attack, she provided support with flat-trajectory fire, aiding in the Union’s eventual victory when Admiral Farragut's fleet ran past the fortifications on April 24, 1862. The fall of New Orleans was a significant strategic victory for the Union, and Quartermaster Edward Farrell of Owasco was awarded the Medal of Honor for his valor during this engagement. Following the capture of New Orleans, Owasco helped tow schooners upriver to support the Vicksburg campaign, bombarding Confederate batteries south of Vicksburg in June 1862. She also participated in the bombardment and capture of Galveston, Texas, on October 3, 1862, though she was driven out of the port by Confederate steamers on New Year’s Day. She continued blockade duty along the Texas coast and took part in the joint Union effort to capture Brazos, Texas, in November 1863. Notably, she captured the English schooner Fanny in April 1864, which was carrying cargo for Confederate forces. USS Owasco served throughout the Civil War, maintaining blockade and support operations along the Texas coast until she was decommissioned at the New York Navy Yard on July 12, 1865. She was sold at auction later that year, ending her distinguished service. Her contributions to Union naval operations, especially in riverine and coastal engagements, highlight her significance during the Civil War.

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