
The Queen of the West was a warship that played a significant role in the American Civil War. It was built in 1862 at the St. Louis, Missouri shipyard of James E. Wise.
The Queen of the West was a side-wheel steamboat that was converted into a warship by the Union Army. It was originally a civilian steamboat called the J.R. Williams.
The Queen of the West was commanded by Lieutenant Commander James H. Ward, who would go on to have a distinguished military career. Ward was a skilled naval officer who took charge of the warship in 1862.
The Queen of the West was used to patrol the Mississippi River and to attack Confederate forces. It was also used to transport troops and supplies.
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Early Service
The Queen of the West's early service was a remarkable experience. The ship was launched in 1995 and began offering cruises on the Columbia and Snake rivers in 1995.

The Queen of the West's inaugural cruise set sail on May 1, 1995, offering a 5-night journey from Portland to Clarkston. This marked the beginning of a new era in river cruising in the Pacific Northwest.
The ship's early service was designed to provide a unique and intimate experience for its passengers, with a maximum capacity of 220 guests.
Service as U.S. Ram (1862-1863)
The Queen of the West was built in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1854 and served as a commercial steamer.
In 1862, Charles Ellet, Jr. purchased the Queen of the West due to its speed and converted it for usage as a ram ship.
The hull was reinforced, the forward end filled with hard oak wood, and the steam-engine secured to prepare the ship for ramming.
A central beam was installed from bow to stern and iron peaks were installed on the bow to increase the ship's ramming capabilities.
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The Queen of the West was originally not equipped with any guns, relying on its ramming abilities to attack enemy ships.
The ship was designated as Colonel Ellet's flagship of the United States Ram Fleet, a significant honor for the Queen of the West.
On May 25, the Queen of the West and the ram fleet joined the Mississippi River Squadron, led by Charles H. Davis, on the Mississippi River north of Fort Pillow.
Cruises
Early service is a great way to experience the American Cruise Lines' Queen of the West. For instance, you can take a cruise like the Queen of the West Cruises.
One of the options available is to click on a link for more details. This will give you a better understanding of what to expect on your cruise.
Actions and Events
The Queen of the West was a historic steamboat that played a significant role in the development of the American West.

She was launched in 1941 and was designed to navigate the Columbia River. The Queen of the West was built with a shallow draft, allowing her to travel through shallow waters and reach remote areas.
She was 273 feet long and 42 feet wide, with a gross tonnage of 1,500 tons. The Queen of the West had a top speed of 15 knots and was powered by a 1,000 horsepower steam engine.
The Queen of the West was known for her luxurious amenities, including a dining saloon, a lounge, and a promenade deck. She also had a crew of 40 people who were responsible for her operation and maintenance.
The Queen of the West was involved in several notable events, including the 1948 flood of the Columbia River. She played a key role in the evacuation of people from the flood zone, transporting over 1,000 people to safety.
Later Service
The Queen of the West's later service was a bit more laid-back, with fewer passengers and a more relaxed atmosphere.

One of the main reasons for this was the ship's reduced schedule, which allowed for more time in port and less time at sea.
The Queen of the West's reduced schedule also meant that it was no longer a primary mode of transportation for passengers, but rather a more leisurely way to see the sights.
Service as USS
The Queen of the West was built in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1854 and served as a commercial steamer. She was later purchased by Charles Ellet, Jr. in 1862 due to her speed and converted for usage as a ram ship.
The Queen of the West was designated as Colonel Ellet's flagship of the United States Ram Fleet. She was originally not equipped with any guns.
The Queen of the West was joined by the ram fleet on the Mississippi River north of Fort Pillow on May 25.
Return
The Queen of the West, a stunning sternwheeler, returned to service after a refurbishment in 2011. The ship now carries 120 passengers, down from its original capacity of 167.

The Queen of the West was originally built in 1995 at Nichols Bros. Boat Builders in Freeland, Washington. The ship's homeport is Portland, Oregon.
The Queen of the West is a remarkable vessel, with a length of 232 feet and a beam of 50 feet. Its draft is only 7 feet, allowing it to navigate the Columbia and Snake Rivers with ease.
The ship's propulsion system is quite impressive, consisting of two 12V396MTU diesel engines producing 1750 HP each. Two auxiliary engines provide an additional 500 KW each.
Here's a quick rundown of the Queen of the West's specs:
The Queen of the West has 67 cabins spread over 4 decks, providing ample accommodations for its passengers.
Service as CSS
The Queen of the West's service as CSS was marked by a series of daring battles and strategic captures.
In February 1863, she played a key role in the surrender of USS Indianola on the Mississippi River below Vicksburg.

Her partnership with the Confederate ram CSS Webb was instrumental in this victory.
A few months later, on April 11, 1863, the Queen of the West was attacked by Union ships on the Atchafalaya River in Louisiana.
A shell from the USS Calhoun set fire to her cotton, and she eventually exploded after drifting down the river for several hours.
The Confederate crew suffered heavy losses, with 26 killed and 90 captured.
Specifications
The Queen of the West is a paddlewheel riverboat that's a real treat to explore. It has 19 staterooms, each with its own private bathroom.
This historic vessel measures 369 feet in length and 59 feet in width, making it a significant sight on the river.
The Queen of the West is powered by a 422 horsepower diesel engine, which provides the necessary propulsion for its paddlewheel.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen_of_the_West
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Queen_of_the_West
- https://www.expectations.cruises/cruise-ships/queen-of-the-west
- https://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/OnlineLibrary/photos/sh-us-cs/army-sh/usash-mr/qun-west.htm
- http://www.navsource.org/archives/09/86/86155.htm
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