USS Arizona

The Arizona was a side-wheel steamer built in 1858 for commercial service and was seized by the Confederates on 15 January 1862 for use as a blockade runner.

Sailing the name of Caroline, she was used to run the blockade between NOLA, Mobile to Havana. On 28 October 1862, after a six-hour chase, she was captured as a prize by the USS Montgomery off Mobile.

She was sent to Philadelphia with a prize crew and after adjudication, was purchased by the Navy on 23 January 1863.

With her name of Arizona restored, she was commissioned on 9 March 1863, Acting Volunteer LT Daniel P. Upton commanding.

The Arizona was assigned to the West Gulf Blockading Squadron, arriving on station in March of 1863 where she mostly served on the Texas blockade.

On 27 February 1865, while steaming up the Mississippi River from South West Pass to New Orleans, a fire broke out in one of the storerooms. After it was clear there was no possibility to save the ship, her CO ordered her abandoned. The Arizona drifted to the west bank of the river, where the ship burned until her magazine exploded and she sank.

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