The USS Princeton was a substantial 1,370-ton steamer built in 1851 at the Boston Navy Yard, notable for incorporating timbers from the original USS Princeton, the Navy’s first screw steam warship. Launched in October 1851 and commissioned on May 18, 1852, under Commander Sidney Smith Lee, she was a clipper-built vessel with a hull designed for both speed and durability. Her machinery was installed in Baltimore by Vulcan Iron Works, featuring new boilers and propellers, although she retained her original Ericsson semi-cylinder engines. Initially intended to join Admiral Matthew C. Perry’s squadron to Japan, Princeton experienced boiler trouble en route, which delayed her participation; she developed mechanical issues that kept her in Norfolk while her flagship, USS Mississippi, continued without her. Despite these setbacks, she was active in various roles, including serving as flagship of the Eastern Squadron from July to September 1853 under Commodore William Shubrick, protecting fisheries off Nova Scotia. Throughout her service, Princeton was involved in multiple assignments, including a voyage to the Far East with Perry’s squadron, though boiler problems prevented her from sailing with the fleet initially. She also participated in operations in the Gulf of Mexico and the West Indies, notably searching for the lost USS Albany in 1854. Her service history reflects her versatility as both a warship and a supporting vessel during a period of expanding U.S. naval presence. In 1857, Princeton was stationed as a receiving ship in Philadelphia, a role she maintained until she was decommissioned and sold in 1866. Her design, built with an eye toward both combat and logistical support, and her varied service record, including her participation in early U.S. naval expeditions and protection duties, mark her as a significant vessel in mid-19th-century American naval 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.