USS Mattabesett (1863)

The USS Mattabesett was a double-ended, screw-propelled gunboat built for the United States Navy during the American Civil War. She was named for the Mattabesett Native American tribe of central Connecticut.

Mattabesett was launched on January 24, 1863, by the New York Navy Yard and commissioned on April 16, 1863, with Commander John C. Febiger in command.

During the Civil War, Mattabesett served primarily in the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. She played a key role in the Battle of Albemarle Sound on May 5, 1864, where she engaged the Confederate ironclad CSS Albemarle. Although damaged, Mattabesett, along with other Union ships, prevented the Albemarle from further disrupting Union naval operations in the region.

Following the war, Mattabesett continued to serve in the US Navy. She participated in various duties along the Atlantic coast and in the Caribbean.

Mattabesett was decommissioned in 1868 and sold in 1869. Her post-Navy service history is not well documented.