Today in History:

Grampus (1862-1862)

CSS Grampus, a 252-ton stern-wheel river steamer, was built in 1856 at McKeesport, Pennsylvania, for civilian employment. Taken over by the Confederate Army in early 1862, she served as a transport and gunboat on the Mississippi River. Grampus was scuttled off Island Number Ten on 7 April 1862 when that fortification surrendered. However, she was apparently raised by Union forces and was probably destroyed by fire on 11 January 1863 under the name Grampus No. 2.

This page features our only views of CSS Grampus.

Photo #: NH 53762

CSS Grampus (1862-1862)


Engraving entitled: "The Confederate Gunboat, Grampus." "Under fire from the Federal Gunboats Benton, Carondelet, St. Louis, Mound City, Cincinnati, Pittsburg and Eight Mortar Boats, at foot of Island No. 8, in Mississippi River, March 5th 1862." "Marshall A. Miller, Commander of Grampus."



Photo #: NH 59024

"View of Steamers Sunk by the Rebels Between Island Number Ten and New Madrid"


Line engraving, based on a sketch by Alexander Simplot, published in "Harper's Weekly", 1862, depicting ships sunk by the Confederates off their fortifications at Island Number 10, circa 7 April 1862.
As identified on the engraving, the ships are (from left to right): Champion, Yazoo, Grampus, John Simonds, Red Rover, Prince, Admiral, Ohio Belle, De Soto, Kanawha Valley, Winchester and Mars. Most of these vessels, some of which were not sunk, were later employed by the Union forces.