Champion II (Sidewheel Steamer)
1863-1865
A general word classification.
II
(Sidewheel Steamer: tonnage 115; length 145'8"; beam 26'5"; draft 3'6"; speed 4 knots; armament 2 30-pounder rifles, 1 24-pounder smoothbore, 1 12-pounder smoothbore)
Champion, an armed river steamer, was built in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1859 as Champion No. 4; purchased there on 14 March 1863; fitted out at Cairo, Ill.; and commissioned on 26 April 1863, Acting Master Alfred Phelps, Jr., in command.
Operating almost continuously from 27 April 1863 to 9 June 1865, Champion patrolled the Mississippi, Tennessee, and Red Rivers. She transported troops, prisoners, supplies, and cotton; towed and convoyed ships; and delivered dispatches. Her yeoman service ended at Mound City, Ill., where she was decommissioned on 1 July 1865. Champion was sold on 29 November 1865.
Updated, Robert J. Cressman
27 August 2020
