Naval History and Heritage Command

An Algonquian Indian term applied to any object of reverence, meaning "spirit."

Sidewheel steamer James Thompson, purchased 14 March 1863, was renamed Manitou 2 June 1863 and Fort Hindman (q.v.) 5 November 1863.

The name Manitou was assigned to a sloop‑of‑war under construction at Boston Navy Yard on 5 November 1863, but she was renamed Worcester (q.v.) 15 May 1860 prior to completion in 1870.