USS Commodore (1863)

The first USS Commodore was a steamer acquired by the Union Navy during the American Civil War. She was used by the Union Navy to patrol navigable waterways of the Confederacy to prevent the South from trading with other countries.

Civil War service
Commodore, a side wheel steamer, was built at New Orleans, Louisiana, and fitted for service with the West Gulf Blockading Squadron during 1863. On 31 July 1863 Acting Master John R. Hamilton was ordered to her command with instructions to patrol in Lake Pontchartrain, Louisiana. The small steamer remained there throughout the war.

Renamed Fort Gaines
She was renamed Fort Gaines on 1 September 1864.

Post-war decommissioning and disposal
Commodore was sold at New Orleans, 12 August 1865.