USS Flambeau (1861)

The USS Flambeau was a side-wheel steamer that served in the United States Navy during the American Civil War. Built in 1861, she was a part of the Union blockade of the Confederate states. She was purchased by the Navy from Merrick & Sons of Philadelphia on July 18, 1861 and commissioned on August 12, 1861, with Lieutenant Commander Charles H. Baldwin in command.

Flambeau served primarily in the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Her duties included intercepting blockade runners attempting to supply the Confederacy with goods and munitions, as well as preventing the export of Confederate cotton. She participated in numerous engagements and captured or assisted in the capture of several vessels attempting to violate the blockade.

In addition to blockade duty, Flambeau also participated in naval bombardments of Confederate positions along the coast. She was involved in operations off Charleston, South Carolina, and other important Confederate ports.

After the Civil War ended in 1865, the USS Flambeau was decommissioned. She was sold at public auction at New York City on August 15, 1865. Her post-Navy service is not extensively documented.