Pictured above, with the USS Tyler in the background.
The USS Queen of the West was one of the steamships converted by Colonel Ellet into rams. Their hulls were strengthened by heavy beams that ran the length of the ship and the bows were filled in with solid oak. They weren't armed when first built, but later recieved two to five guns each.
She was rammed at the Battle of Memphis and run aground, 6 June 1862. Fought a running battle with the CSS Arkansas above Vicksburg, 15 and 22 July 1862. Expedition up the Yazoo River, 21 November - 26 December 1862. Rammed and damaged CSS City of Vicksburg, 2 February 1863. Ran aground while attempting to evade Confederate shore batteries at Ft.de Russy, Louisianna, and captured, 14 February 1863.
While in Confederate service, the CSS Queen of the West, along with the CSS Webb, pursued and captured the USS Indianola. The CSS Queen of the West caught fire and exploded in an engagement in the Atchafalaya River, 14 April 1863.

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