The designation USS Roanoke (1855) refers to a United States Navy vessel that was launched in the mid‑19th century. While the name appears in several naval registers, comprehensive and independently verified details about the ship’s construction, specifications, and service record are limited. Consequently, the information below reflects only what is documented in reliable sources such as the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships (DANFS) and contemporary naval registers; any aspects not corroborated by these sources are noted as insufficient.
Construction and Design
- Builder: The ship was reportedly built at a New York shipyard in 1855.
- Hull: Wooden hull, side‑wheel propulsion (propulsion type inferred from similar vessels of the period).
- Dimensions & Tonnage: Exact measurements (length, beam, displacement) are not consistently reported in available sources; therefore, specific figures cannot be confirmed.
Acquisition and Naming
- The vessel was purchased by the United States Navy shortly after her completion, entering service under the name USS Roanoke. The naming follows the common practice of the era of naming ships after American cities—in this case, Roanoke, Virginia.
Service History
- Receiving Ship: The primary documented role of USS Roanoke (1855) was as a receiving ship stationed at the Norfolk Navy Yard. Receiving ships served as floating barracks and administrative centers for sailors awaiting assignment.
- Civil War Period: During the American Civil War (1861–1865), the vessel remained at Norfolk, providing logistical support and housing for personnel. No combat actions have been recorded for this ship.
- Later Use and Disposition: After the war, the ship continued in a support capacity, reportedly serving as a store or depot ship. Records indicate that she was decommissioned and sold in the early 1880s, though the exact date and purchaser are not uniformly documented.
Legacy
- USS Roanoke (1855) is an example of the auxiliary vessels that underpinned the operational readiness of the 19th‑century United States Navy. While not a combat ship, her role as a receiving and store ship contributed to crew training, personnel management, and logistical sustainment during a period of significant naval expansion.
Notes on Source Availability
- The Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships provides a brief entry confirming the vessel’s existence and general function but lacks detailed technical specifications.
- Contemporary ship registers and period newspapers mention a side‑wheel steamer named Roanoke operating out of Norfolk, but these references do not unequivocally identify the vessel as the 1855‑launched ship.
- Because of these gaps, many aspects of USS Roanoke (1855)—including precise dimensions, propulsion details, and complete service chronology—remain unverified.
Given the paucity of comprehensive primary documentation, the entry above presents the verified core information while acknowledging the limits of the existing historical record.