From: Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships

Baltimore is a city and port in Maryland.

(SwStr: T. 500; l. 200'; b. 26'8"; dph. 10'; a. 1 32-pdr. S. B.)

The third Baltimore, a side-wheel steamer, was built in 1848 at Philadelphia, Pa., captured on the Potomac River between Aquia Creek and Washington, D. C., by the Army 21 April 1861, turned over to the Navy Department; and commissioned in April 1861, Lieutenant J. H. Russell in command.

During the Civil War Baltimore was used as an ordnance vessel between Washington Navy Yard and nearby ammunition depots. She was also used to ferry Army troops across the Potomac River. She saw some service with the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron as a dispatch and supply vessel. On 9 May 1862 she transported President Lincoln, and Secretaries Stanton and Chase, from Fort Monroe to Norfolk in an attempt to get a close view of the destroyed Confederate ironclad Virginia.

Baltimore was turned over to Norfolk Navy Yard 22 May 1865 and sold 24 June 1865 at Washington, D. C.