The Dunderberg was laid down in Oct 1862. She was an ocean-going ironclad, whose building was prompted, at least partially, by the threat of war with England. After that threat abated, construction lagged and the Dunderberg was not launched until July 1865, after the war had ended. She was designed by Lenthall as a reproduction of the CSS Virginia, with sloping armored casemate sides and a 50 foot ram. She had a double bottom and collision bulkheads, and was the longest wooden ship ever built. She was not accepted by the U.S. Navy and returned to the builder, September 1866. Purchased by France to prevent Prussia buying the vessel. Renamed Rochambeau, rebuilt and re-armed in 1867. Scrapped 1874.


Builder: Webb
Tonnage: 7060 tons
Dimensions: 377'4" (oa) x 72'9" x 21'
Armament: 4 ea 15"SB, 11 ea 11" SB (as designed)
Armor: 4.5" Casemate, 3.5" sides

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