Union Captures Hamptons Flag…..again
WASHINGTON (July 31, 2013) A Confederate flag captured from the CSS Hampton lies on a protective sheet during a ceremony celebrating the transfer of ownership of the flag from the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Historical Society to Navy History and Heritage Command. The note attached to the flag reads “That of Confed gun boat Hampton burnt in James River at the taking of Richmond. The flag was taken from the burning ship by Liet. Ladd (13th N. Hampshire), Gen. Devens staff.” The flag has been in the historical society’s possession since the 1960s. The museum plans to preserve the flag and make it a part of their Civil War exhibit. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Comerford/Released)
The Hampton was a Confederate gunboat built at Norfolk in 1862 then participated in significant river actions including the battle at Dutch Gap on August 13, 1864; operations against Fort Harrison on September 29-October 1; and the engagement at Chaffin’s Bluff on October 22.
Hampton was burned by the Confederates as they evacuated Richmond, Virginia on April 3, 1865.
Displacement: 166 tons
Length: 106 ft (32 m)
Beam: 21 ft (6.4 m)
Draft: 6 ft (1.8 m)
Propulsion: Steam engine
Armament: 1 9″ cannon, 1 32-pounder cannon