USS Willamette (1865)

The USS Willamette, a Passaic-class ironclad monitor, was commissioned into the United States Navy following the American Civil War. Originally intended to participate in the war, its construction was delayed and it was not launched until after the cessation of hostilities.

The Passaic-class monitors were designed by John Ericsson, and characterized by their single rotating turret housing two heavy guns, a low freeboard, and substantial iron armor. The Willamette was built at the Continental Iron Works in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, New York.

Following its commissioning, the USS Willamette served in a limited capacity. The post-war navy downsized significantly, and ironclad monitors, while powerful, proved to be expensive to maintain and less versatile than other types of warships. The Willamette spent much of its time in reserve or laid up at various navy yards.

While the USS Willamette did not see combat, its existence represents a transitional period in naval technology. It embodies the ironclad warship era that began during the Civil War, before being ultimately superseded by more advanced designs. It was eventually decommissioned and scrapped, representing the disposal of surplus naval vessels in the latter half of the 19th century.