CSS RICHMOND (1862)
CSS Richmond leads the attack at Trent's Reach.
Built: Norfolk, Virginia
Commissioned: July, 1862
Service: 1862-1865, James River Squadron
Home Port: Richmond, Virginia
Dimensions: 172' 6" Length, 32' Beam, 12' Draft
Armor: 4" iron with wood backing
Armament: 4 x 7" Brooke Rifles
Engines: Single Screw
Speed: 6 Knots.
Crew: 180
Fate: Burned to prevent capture, 1865.
Summary
Richmond was the first in the series of casemate ironclads built to similar specifications laid down by David Porter. During her service, she was flagship of the James River Squadron, charged principally with defense of the Confederate capital for which she was named, during which time she served in a number of small engagements.
The most significant action for CSS Richmond was the Battle of Trent's Reach from January 23rd-24th, 1865, where she lead the James River Squadron in a desperate attack on the Union positions, protected principally by the formidable double turreted ironclad, USS Onondaga . During the engagement, she ran aground and was stuck helplessly until finally freed late in the battle. After the engagement, Richmond remained within cover of the city's defenses until the decision was taken to abandon the capital, at which point she was burned to prevent falling into Union hands in early April, 1865.