&sq=&lang=&file=File:USS_Varuna_drawing.jpg) USS Varuna, as drawn by R. G. Skerrett in 1904
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| History | |
|---|---|
 United States | |
| Namesake | Varuna |
| Builder | Mallory Yard, Mystic, Connecticut |
| Laid down | January or February 1861 |
| Launched | September 1861 |
| Acquired | 31 December 1861 |
| Commissioned | February 1862 |
| Fate | Sunk in action 24 April 1862 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Screw steamer |
| Tons burthen | 1,247 tons burthen or 1,300 tons |
| Length | 218 ft (66 m) |
| Beam | 34 ft 8 in (10.57 m) |
| Depth of hold | 18 ft 3 in (5.56 m) |
| Propulsion | 1x screw propeller |
| Complement | 157 |
| Armament |
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USS Varuna was a screw steamer acquired by the Union Navy during the American Civil War. Early in the war, the Union Navy was tasked with blockading the Confederate coastline. In order to complete the goal, the purchase of a number of additional ships was necessary. One of the vessels purchased was Varuna, which was still under construction when the sale occurred on 31 December 1861. Commissioned in February 1862, she traveled to join the West Gulf Blockading Squadron. The squadron was under the command of Flag Officer David Glasgow Farragut and was tasked with the capture of New Orleans, Louisiana.
In order to reach New Orleans, the Confederate positions at Fort Jackson and Fort St. Philip had to be passed. On the morning of 24 April, Farragut led his ships in an attempt to pass the forts. During the ensuing action, Varuna ran ahead of the other Union ships, and she was engaged in a chase with the Louisiana gunboat Governor Moore. The two ships exchanged cannon fire before Governor Moore rammed Varuna twice. Another Confederate vessel added a third ramming blow. Varuna sank within 15 minutes, but Farragut was able to capture the city of New Orleans, Louisiana.