USS Westfield
Gunboat · United States · Lost 1863 · Texas & the Western Gulf
A Staten Island ferryboat turned Union gunboat, blown up by her own captain in Galveston Bay to keep her from Confederate hands.
The Vessel and Her Loss
USS Westfield was a New York ferryboat converted into a Union gunboat and flagship of the West Gulf Blockading Squadron. During the Confederate recapture of Galveston in January 1863, she ran hard aground and had to be destroyed to prevent capture. The scuttling charge detonated early, killing her commander and several crew.
Vessel
- 1861
- Not established
- Staten Island, New York
- Wood
- 215 ft
- 35 ft
- 822
- Steam, side-wheel
- United States Navy
Loss
- January 1, 1863
- Intentional sinking
- Near Pelican Spit, Galveston Bay
- Galveston Bay
- Not established
- Not established
- Not established
- Commander William B. Renshaw and several crew were killed when the scuttling charge exploded early.
- William B. Renshaw
The Wreck Today
- Not established
- Excavated and largely recovered from the Houston Ship Channel; artifacts conserved at Texas A&M.
- Not established
- 2005
- Owned and stewarded by the U.S. Navy, Naval History and Heritage Command
Position
- 29.35° N 94.75° W
- Approximate position
- Galveston, Texas
Evidence
Overall confidence: Well documented (92/100)
Excavation history, loss narrative.
Nautical Archaeology Program, Texas A&M University
Excavation and conservation details.
Texas State Historical Association Handbook of Texas
Vessel history, battle narrative.
