From: Dictionary of American Fighting Ships

Ethan Allen, born 10 January 1737 or 1738 in Litchfield, Conn., is known chiefly for his leading role in securing the recognition of Vermont as a separate State. He served in the French and Indian War; organized and led the "Green Mountain Boys" in the controversy between New Hampshire and New York over the settlement of the area now Vermont; and in concert with a Massachusetts force commanded by Benedict Arnold took Fort Ticonderoga without bloodshed 10 May 1775. He died in Burlington, Vermont, 12 February 1789.

(Bark: t. 556; l. 153'6"; b. 35'1"; dr. 13'; s. 12 k.; cpl. 90; a. 6 32-pdr.)

The first Ethan Allen, a bark, was built in 1859 at Boston; purchased by the Navy 23 August 1861; and commissioned 3 October 1861, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant W. B. Eaton in command.

During her first wartime cruise, 27 October 1861 to 30 March 1863, Ethan Allen patrolled in the Gulf of Mexico, capturing eight prizes, and destroying extensive salt works along the Florida coast, thus hampering the Confederate war effort and civilian economy.

Ethan Allen returned to Boston for repairs, and between 22 June and 28 October 1863, cruised along the New England coast to protect merchantmen and fishing craft from Southern cruisers. On 9 November, she sailed from Boston to join the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron off Port Royal, S.C., 26 November. During the following year and a half, she patrolled the Carolina coast, and for several months served as practice ship for junior officers of her squadron. She arrived at Portsmouth, N.H., 5 June 1865, and was decommissioned there 26 June 1865, and sold 20 July 1865.

Transcribed by Yves HUBERT (hubertypc@aol.fr)