John P. Jackson, USS

[Mark Wadsworth]

John P. Jackson, a 750-ton (burden) side-wheel ferry steamer, was built at Brooklyn, New York, in 1860. In November 1861 the Navy purchased her for Civil War service. Following conversion to a gunboat she was commissioned as USS John P. Jackson in February 1862. Promptly sent to the Gulf of Mexico, during April she played in active role in the campaign that led to the capture of New Orleans. In late June she was disabled by Confederate cannon fire during operations against Vicksburg, Mississippi, and had to be sent downriver to New Orleans for repairs.
At the end of September 1862 John P. Jackson took station in Mississippi Sound, where she was active for the rest of the conflict. During this time she captured several would-be blockade runners and participated in bombardments of Fort Powell, at the western entrance of Mobile Bay, Alabama. John P. Jackson also played a supporting role in the Battle of Mobile Bay in early August 1864. She was decommissioned at New Orleans in September 1865 and sold there later in that month. Renamed J.P. Jackson soon afterwards, she was employed commercially until about 1871.

DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY -- NAVAL HISTORICAL CENTER