The process of converting a civilian steamer into a tinclad involved arming the ships (originally with either six or eight cannons, although it was eventually found advisable to add heavier cannon to the vessels), adding a casemate made of wood and at least partially covered with thin iron armor, replacing the existing pilothouse with a better-armored one, reinforcing decks and internal beams, and removing the texas. Tinclads were generally converted civilian vessels, although several were purpose-built for the United States War Department late in the war. A third type of vessel used by the Union Navy was the tinclad warship.

Both sides built ironclads, warships with heavy iron armor, and early in the war Union forces built several timberclads, vessels that used layers of wood as armor. Both sides purchased civilian steamboats for conversion into warships. A total of 74 saw service during the war.ĭuring the American Civil War, the control of the rivers of the United States of America and the Confederate States of America was strategically important. Tinclads were frequently used for escort and patrol duties, and sometimes provided naval support for other military actions. While tinclads were poorly suited to engage heavy artillery or other warships, they were better equipped to combat small groups of enemy soldiers. Compared to ironclad warships, tinclads were cheaper, required smaller crews, and could enter shallower water due to their light drafts. Conversion of civilian steamboats into tinclad warships included arming the vessels, adding a wooden casemate, and armoring portions of the vessel. These vessels were generally converted civilian ships, although a few were purpose-built for the United States War Department some had formerly been in Confederate service.

The Union Navy used tinclad warships during the American Civil War.

Union navy during civil war