From: Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships

Buckthorn is a tree of the southern United States.

(ScStr: T. 128: l. 87'; b. 22'; dph. 7'7"; s. 8.5 k.; a. 1 30-pdr. R., 2 12-pdr. S. B.)

Buckthorn, a screw steamer, was built in 1863 at East Haddam, Conn., as Signal purchased by the Navy 22 December 1863; and commissioned at New York 7 April 1864, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant W. Godfrey in command.

Buckthorn served with the West Gulf Blockading Squadron during the Civil War and participated in the Battle of Mobile Bay (5 August 1864). She acted as a tender for the fleet and was also used as a dispatch vessel throughout her career. After the Civil War she served at Pensacola Navy Yard until laid up in 1868. Buckthorn was sold at Pensacola, Fla., 7 September 1869.