The USS Black Hawk was built as a large side-wheel steamer in 1848 as the Uncle Sam in New Albany, Indiana; purchased by the Union Navy at Cairo, Illinois, on November 24, 1862, the ship was commissioned on December 6, 1862, and renamed the USS Black Hawk a week later.

During most of her service, the Black Hawk served as the flagship for Rear Admirals David Dixon Porter and Samuel Phillips Lee, commanders of the Mississippi Squadron.

The Black Hawk participated in the capture of Fort Hindman (Arkansas Post) January 11, 1863, the siege of Vicksburg, May 19-July 4, 1863, and the Red River Expedition, March 12-May 29, 1864. Afterwards she patrolled the Mississippi River and its tributaries until April 22, 1865, when she accidentally burned and sank three miles above Cairo, Illinois. Her wreck was raised and sold at St. Louis, Missouri in April 1867.

Albumen by Unknown Photographer

Image Courtesy Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; WICR 30184-E