U.S.S. Cairo Ironclad, Vicksburg, Warren County, MS

STORED OFF SITE AND ON SITE. mchr
Significance: Built by James B. Eads for use on western rivers, Cairo was commissioned in January 1862 and was one of seven City Class ironclad gunboats, all of a uniform design, employed the U.S. Navy. Propelled by a recessed paddle wheel, USS Cairo was designed with a shallow draft that enabled it to maneuver effectively in the changing conditions of the Mississippi River system. After participating in attacks on Fort Pillow and aiding in the defeat of Confederate gunboats off Memphis, Cairo took part in the Yazoo River Expedition. On December 12, 1862, the ironclad struck an underwater mine near Blake's Levee and sank in twelve minutes. Cairo's remains were raised and salvaged in 1964, repaired and preserved by the National Park Service in 1970s, and are currently on display at Vicksburg National Military Park.
Survey number: HAER MS-7
Building/structure dates: 1862 Initial Construction
Building/structure dates: 1862 Demolished
Building/structure dates: 1964 Subsequent Work
Building/structure dates: after. 1970- before. 1979 Subsequent Work