From: Dictionary of American Fighting Ships

Former name retained.

(ScStr: t. 50; l. 85'; b. 12'8"; dph. 3'6"; cpl. 19; a. 2 guns)

Eureka, a screw steamer, was captured 20 April 1862 in the Rappahannock River, Va., by Anacostia; purchased by the Navy 22 August 1862; and assigned to duty in the Potomac Flotilla, Acting Ensign J. J. Brice in command.

For the next 2 1/2 years, Eureka patrolled the Potomac and Rappahannock rivers and their tributaries, to prevent the passage of people and commerce between the Confederates in Virginia and their sympathizers in Maryland. Her shallow draft made her ideal for this duty essential to controlling the flow of intelligence and supplies to the South. Inactive after March 1865, Eureka was sold at Washington 15 September 1865.

Transcribed by Yves HUBERT (hubertypc@aol.fr)