title: USS Champion (1859)
text: # USS Champion (1859)
  
  USS Champion was a small gunboat originally built as the commercial vessel Champion No. 4 in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1859. She was purchased for the Union Navy in 1863 during the American Civil War, serving until July 1865, when she was sold back to civilian service.
  
  ## Service history
  
  Champion, an armed river steamer, was built in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1859 as Champion No. 4; purchased there on 14 March 1863; fitted out at Cairo, Illinois; and commissioned on 26 April 1863, Acting Master Alfred Phelps, Jr., in command. Operating almost continuously from 27 April 1863 – 9 June 1865, Champion patrolled the Mississippi River, Tennessee River, and the Red River. She transported troops, prisoners, supplies, and cotton; towed and convoyed ships; and delivered dispatches. Her yeoman service ended at Mound City, Illinois, where she was decommissioned on 1 July. Champion was sold 29 November 1865.
  
  