The Old War Horse: The USS Benton on Western Waters, 1853-1865 - Paperback

by Myron J. Smith (Author)

With a unique prewar history as a snagboat and James B. Eads' noted catamaran salvage vessel, the Benton survived a tumultuous government acquisition process and conversion to become flagship of the Union's Civil War Western river navy. From Island No. 10 through the Vicksburg and Red River campaigns, the revolutionary ironclad participated in both combat and administrative activities, earning a prominent place in nautical legend and literature.

This first book-length profile of the warship reveals little known details of both her prewar and wartime career and reviews her final disposal.

Author Biography

Prolific author Myron J. Smith, Jr., is emeritus library director and professor at Tusculum University, Greeneville, Tennessee.