Covington was a 126-foot-long side wheel steamer purchased by the U.S. government in February 1863 from Samuel Wiggins in Cincinnati, Ohio for use as a simple gunboat. Covington was equipped with powerful rifled guns to intercept Confederate blockade runners.

On April 27, 1864, while protecting army transports near Alexandria, Louisiana, the Covington was heavily damaged by enemy gunfire, set on fire and abandoned by the crew. The ship’s commander and 32 members of the crew were able to escape.

Albumen by Unknown Photographer

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