Another ship with an interesting history was Atlanta. She began as CSS Atlanta, an ironclad built from a blockade runner and based on the Savannah River. She was armed with 7-inch Brooke rifles at bow and stern and 6.4-inch Brooke rifles amidships.
In early 1863, her commander intended for her to attack blockaders downriver while most of the Union fleet was bombarding Charleston, South Carolina. Deserters revealed the plan and the Federals held some ships in readiness to intercept Atlanta. The ship went aground, was attacked by USS Weehawken and USS Nahant, and could not bring her guns to bear against them.
After two or three 15-inch Dahlgren rounds smashed into her, the defenseless Atlanta struck her colors. The Northerners pulled Atlanta free and refitted with 8-inch Parrott rifles at bow and stern and 6.4 inch Parrott rifles to port and starbord. She served on the James River.
Decommissioned, she was sold to Haiti and in December 1869, she was lost with all hands off the Delaware Capes or Cape Hatteras as she steamed for Port-au-Prince.
CSS Atlanta
USS Weehawken v. CSS Atlanta
USS Atlanta
Model of CSS Atlanta at Civil War Naval Museum in Columbus, Georgia
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