History
United States
Ordered	as Polar Star
Laid down	date unknown
Launched	1863
Acquired	9 December 1863
Commissioned	4 May 1864
Decommissioned	8 June 1865
Stricken	1865 (est.)
Fate	To the Light House Board, 20 June 1865
General characteristics
Tonnage	176
Length	110 ft (34 m)
Beam	22 ft 6 in (6.86 m)
Draught	7 ft (2.1 m)
Propulsion	steam engine side-wheel propelled
Speed	15 knots
Complement	not known
Armament	one 30-pounder gun two 12-pounder guns

USS Cactus was a steamer acquired by the Union Navy during the American Civil War for service with the Union blockade of the ports and waterways of the Confederate States of America.

She was used by the Union Navy primarily as a supply ship and as a ship's tender, but she was also equipped with heavy guns to be used as a gunboat if the need occurred.

Service history

Cactus, an armed side-wheel steamer, was built during 1863 in Brooklyn, New York, as Polar Star; purchased at New York City 9 December 1863; and commissioned 4 May 1864, Acting Master N. Graham in command.

Assigned to the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron with its task of isolating the Confederacy from overseas sources of supply, Cactus served as a supply ship and tender in Hampton Roads until 28 May 1864. She was then ordered up the York River to guard the Union Army's lines of communication.

On 20 June, with USS Morse, she fought an engagement with Confederate batteries along the Pamunkey River. After assisting in covering the withdrawal of the Army from White House, Virginia, the steamer returned to Hampton Roads 23 June.

Until April 1865, Cactus operated in Hampton Roads and Chesapeake Bay towing launches and supply schooners.

She then served in the Potomac Flotilla until placed out of commission at the Washington Navy Yard 8 June 1865. Cactus was transferred to the Light House Board 20 June 1865.

References

This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. The entry can be found here.