The USS Benton was converted by St. Louis engineer James B. Eads from a catamaran snagboat and commissioned in February 1862. The Benton saw action at Island No. 10, Memphis and Grand Gulf, and bombarded the city of Vicksburg during the 1863 Union siege. After participating in the Red River Expedition, USS Benton was decommissioned in July 1865.

The Benton had a crew of 176 men and a displacement of 633 tons. The ironclad carried numerous heavy guns and was equipped with 2.5” armor.

Albumen by Unknown Photographer

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