USS HARTFORD

A copy of this model is at the Texas Civil War Museum 

In 1857, Congress had authorized construction of five sailing warships with auxiliary seam power. The Hartford was one of them. Her keel of white oak was laid in January, 1858 at Boston Navy Yard. 265 feet long and 44 feet wide, USS Hartford was launched by November of that year. Her two steam engines were built under the supervision of Jesse Gray, chief engineer in the U.S. Navy. Her tall smokestack was of a unique type which could be partially telescoped when the her engines were not used.

After sea trials in 1859, the Hartford left for her first tour of duty as flagship of the East Indies Squadron in Asia. The powerful warship embarked the American Minister John Elliott Ward to China in Hong Kong and then carried him to Canton, Manila, Swatow, Shanghai, and other Far Eastern ports to settle American claims and to arrange foreign affairs for the United States.

In April 1861, the Confederates attacked Fort Sumter. President Lincoln declared war and proclaimed a blockade of the southern ports from South Carolina to Texas. In Washington a plan was brewing with the goal of capturing New Orleans, ninety miles up the Mississippi River from the Gulf of Mexico. If the North controlled the Mississippi, the Confederacy would be split in two. The plan required a man who was loyal to the Union, acquainted with the Mississippi River, and who had years of experience at sea. That man was Captain David Farragut, at the age of 61. Farragut was made Flag Officer -- commander of the newly created West Gulf Blockading Squadron. His flagship was the USS Hartford.

Later that year (1861) the Hartford sailed to the Philadelphia Navy Yard for the installation of more guns. She departed the Delaware Capes on 28 January. Subsequently, USS Hartford participated in the Battle of New Orleans in April and May 1862, the Siege of Vicksburg a year later, and the decisive Battle of Mobile Bay in August 1864.

After the civil war, USS Hartford became the flagship to the new Asiatic Station Squadron, sailing the Pacific until decommissioned in California in January 1887 for apprentice sea-training duty.

In 1912, Hartford became the station ship at Charleston, South Carolina. In October 1938, she moved to Washington, D.C., with the intent for her to be a museum ship. However, World War II changed everything, and also Hartford's fate. In October 1945, she was towed to Norfolk, Virginia, classified as a relic. The ship was allowed to deteriorate, and as a result, she sank at her berth on 20 November 1956. She proved to be beyond salvage and was subsequently dismantled. Her 400-pound bell is now displayed in Constitution Plaza in Hartford City, CT.

The Battle of Mobil Bay:

In the early fall of 1864, Admiral David Farragut’s fleet attacked Mobile Bay--the last strategic Confederate port. Mobile Bay was a Confederate industrial center still building ships and turning out war supplies. The port's formidable defenses included a series of forts, mines, and obstructions. By 1864, David Farragut was tasked with capturing the bay. Operations began on August 2, 1864. After taking Fort Gaines on Dauphin Island and Fort Morgan on Mobile Point, Union forces cut off Mobile from open trade.

The Battle of Mobile Bay took place on August 5th, 1864. Admiral Farragut, aboard his flagship USS Hartford, led a fleet consisting of 4 ironclads and 14 wooden vessels. The Confederate naval force, backed by the powerful guns of Forts Morgan and Gaines in the Bay, was composed of the powerful newly-built ram Tennessee which was Admiral Franklin Buchanan's flagship, and steamers Selma, Morgan, and Gaines. From the firing of the first gun by Fort Morgan to the raising of the white flag by the CSS Tennessee, little more than 3 hours elapsed— 3 hours of terrific fighting on both sides. It was at the Battle of Mobile Bay that Farragut was reported saying the famous line, “Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!” The Confederates had only 32 casualties, while the Union forces suffered 335.

In the Battle of Mobile Bay, a handful of ships and men had won a great decisive victory that secured the South could not win the war. Twelve of Hartford's crew received the Medal of Honor.  

40" long x 24" tall x  9" wide. $4,530 Shipping and insurance in the contiguous USA included. Other places: $400 flat rate.
Add light featq1ure (standard 9 v battery): $300. Available on this large size only.

24" long x 20" tall x  7" wide. $2,990 Shipping and insurance in the contiguous USA included. Other places: $300 flat rate.

Models are made to order only. We require only a small commitment deposit to start the model $900  The remaining balance won't be due until the model is completed, in about six months for the small size and nine months for the large.

Other ship, different size? Just let us know by clicking on this link: Commissioning. 
 

                              
"I received them yesterday [4/8/2014] and they were magnificent.Thank you. Look forward to the next two ships.Regards, Hans."

"You guys sure do beautiful work! My fleet is up to 3 of your ships, Glatton, Hartford and PT 109, and I think they are all great.The new Hartford is outstanding...Please keep me in the loop for any deals you have going from time to time.Thanks for sharing. Mike"

"I thought I would let you know how much I am enjoying looking at the Hartford, and how proud I am to have a small input in the new build and wondered if you have had any interest show in your new web page. I am sure the Hartford was an incentive to shake of the hospital " blues " and it has already given me great pleasure and it will become a family heirloom for the family in years to come! it is a great piece of the model shipwright art! she is absolutely beautiful ! I have enjoyed our exchange of e-mails through the build, and feel you are now a friend ! I wish you all the best for the future, good luck and again many thanks, Kindest Regards Frank"

"The Hartford arrived yesterday: FANTASTIC piece of art!!! I really liked the way it was crated – amazing. I took the crate apart screw by screw, and the only mishap I had was that I busted the life boat hanger on one side when I pulled the blue tape off, but I think I will be able to repair. Looks great on the mantel. I will be in the market for another one of your ships very soon. Thanks for the excellent work! Mike R."

Learn more about the USS Hartford here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Hartford_(1858)