Item No. 2622437

CDV by D. P. Barr, Vicksburg, Mississippi, of the Union Navy’s ironclad ram Choctaw with the city of Vicksburg in the background in 1864. The one-off sidewheel steamer was built in 1856 at New Albany, Indiana. Intended to be a merchant vessel, she was sold to the government in 1862 for conversion into a warship. USS Choctaw was commissioned in March 1863. Her new configuration was designed by Commodore William D. Porter. Like the Porter-designed Lafayette, Choctaw was incredibly imposing, but was overweight and far too slow for effective use as a ram. Entering service, she steamed up the Yazoo to engage the Confederate batteries at Haynes' Bluff between April 29 and May 1, 1863, being struck no less than fifty-three times. Choctaw remained on station and contributed to the destruction of the Confederate works and navy yard at Yazoo City later in the month. In June she joined in repelling an attack at Milliken's Bend, rescuing a number of Confederates from the river and taking them prisoner. During the spring of 1864 she was engaged in operations that preceded the capture of Fort DeRussy. Choctaw was decommissioned in July 1865 and sold out of service in March 1866. There is a lot of detail in this image. A group of a dozen or so sailors can be seen resting on the bow beneath the Navy jack. Two cannon are visible peeking out from the casemate, while a sailor stands on the deck above. Other sailors can be seen standing at various points on deck and in the small boat tied up amidships. Much can be seen of Vicksburg in the background. A lengthy description is written on the reverse of the carte:

Ironclad “Choctaw” opposite Vicksburg Miss. 1004 tons. 8 guns. To the right, citizens residence and on levee, Commissary & Ordnance buildings. On hill, private houses back of “Battery Moore.” Then range through which R.R. passes. Next “Castle Battery.” Nearer the river, R.R. Depot. On river, on extreme left, wharf boats and “Freedmen’s Hospital.”

Photographer Barr’s imprint also appears on the reverse. The CDV is in excellent condition with light toning. Measures about 4” x 2 1/2”.