Naval History and Heritage Command

A strikingly great person or object; the giant statue at Rhodes thus known was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

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The first Colossus, a stern wheel steamer, was built in 1864 at Freedom, Pa.; purchased 6 December 1864 at Cincinnati, Ohio, by the Navy Department; outfitted at Mound City, Ill.; and commissioned 24 February 1865, Acting Master F. G. Sampson in command.

Serving in the Mississippi Squadron, Colossus patrolled the waters between Vicksburg, Miss., and the Arkansas River until 15 June 1865 when she returned to Mound City. She was placed out of commission 3 July 1865 and sold 17 August 1865.

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The monitor Kalamazoo was renamed Colossus 15 June 1869 during construction, but never completed.