Benton was converted to an ironclad from the twin-hulled catamaran snag boat Submarine No. 7 by James Eads.  When commissioned in February 1862, she was the most powerful warship on the Mississippi River.

During Tennessee river-based actions in 1862, Benton participated in the engagement near Fort Pillow in May and at the battle of Memphis in June.  Her later career included operations at Vicksburg and on the Red River.  She was sold at auction in November 1865.

Specifications of USS Benton:

Displacement: 633 tons
Length: 202 feet
Beam: 72 feet
Draft: 9 feet
Armament (at completion): 7 32-pounders; two 11-inch; 7 42-pounder army rifles

  Federal Warships

Last update:  December 6, 2001