U.S.S. (Ram) Vindicator.

[Robert Gray]

USS Vindicator, a 750-ton side-wheel steam ram, was built at New Albany, Indiana, for the War Department. After transfer to the Navy, she was completed in May 1864 and served with the Mississippi Squadron. Vindicator was initially assigned to patrol in the vicinity of Natchez, Mississippi. In November 1864, she took part in an expedition up the Yazoo River, covering a Federal cavalry raid. As the Civil War approached its end, on 23-24 April 1865, she pursued the Confederate ram Webb during the latter's attempted escape from the Red River down the Mississippi to the open sea. USS Vindicator was decommissioned in July 1865 and sold the following November. Renamed New Orleans for post-war civilian use, she was disposed of in about 1869.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

 

[kevikens]

Do you know what the top speed of these rams was or their typical armament? I see what looks like a stern mounted gun that might be a 32 pounder. Thanks

 

[Mike Serpa]

That's a better photo than the one at the LOC!