USS Quinnebaug (1866)

The USS Quinnebaug was a screw sloop-of-war in the United States Navy, commissioned in 1866. She was named for the Quinnebaug River, a tributary of the Thames River in Connecticut. Built at the Boston Navy Yard, she was designed for both sail and steam power.

The Quinnebaug served primarily in the South Atlantic Squadron, and later in the European Squadron. Her duties included protecting American commercial interests, showing the flag in various ports, and conducting surveys and explorations. She also participated in efforts to suppress the slave trade off the coast of Africa.

Throughout her service, the Quinnebaug underwent several refits and modifications. She was known for her role in diplomatic missions and for projecting American naval power abroad during a period of relative peace. She was decommissioned in 1888 and subsequently sold. Her career reflects the shift in naval technology and strategy during the latter half of the 19th century, as steam-powered ships gradually replaced sail-powered vessels.