The USS State of Georgia was a large, powerful side-wheel steamer built in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1851 by Vaughn & Lynn. Originally constructed as a commercial vessel, she was acquired by the Union Navy during the American Civil War on 25 September 1861, and commissioned at the Philadelphia Navy Yard on 20 November 1861 under Commander James F. Armstrong. With a crew of 113 sailors and officers, she was employed primarily as a gunboat supporting Union blockade operations along Confederate waterways. Constructed with side-wheel propulsion, the State of Georgia was equipped with significant firepower for her size and played a key role in blockading efforts along the North Carolina coast. She participated in notable engagements, including the capture of the steamer Constitution near Wilmington, North Carolina, on 22 May 1862, and the schooner Nassau shortly thereafter. She also collaborated with USS Mystic to destroy an unidentified schooner ashore at New Inlet and was involved in seizing the English steamer Sunbeam attempting to run the blockade. These operations typically targeted blockade runners carrying arms, ammunition, and supplies for the Confederacy. In late 1862, she sustained damage in a collision with USS Mystic, necessitating repairs at the Washington Navy Yard. Following repairs, she resumed blockade duty, towing vessels such as the USS Passaic and USS Nahant to strategic locations. She also seized several blockade-running schooners, including the Mary Jane and Rising Daunt. After extensive repairs in Philadelphia in July 1863, she was decommissioned in August but was quickly recommissioned in November to continue blockade operations off Wilmington. Later, she served in the South Atlantic Squadron, supporting Union efforts around South Carolina, including operations near Georgetown and Port Royal, and participated in supporting Sherman's march from Savannah. She also carried dispatches to Central America and was involved in rescue operations near Nicaragua. The vessel was decommissioned for the final time on 9 September 1865, after which she was sold and renamed Andrew Johnson. Her maritime career ended when she was driven ashore and wrecked during a hurricane at Currituck Inlet, North Carolina, in October 1866.

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