Aquarius S14 USS Essex  

History
River Ironclad, converted in several steps from merchant river ferry New Era
1861            October,  Commissioned
                    November, Cumberland River Expedition
1862            Jan 11, engagement with CSN vessels near Lucas Bend, Mo., Mississippi River
                    Feb 6, damaged during attack on Fort Henry
1862            Feb-June, final conversion
                    July 22 & Aug 5, attacks on CSS Arkansas at Vicksburg & Baton Rouge
                    Dec 13, bombardement of Port Hudson, La
                    Dec 17, occupation of Baaton Rouge
1863            May 8 - July 9, bombardement of Port Hudson
                    July 10, bombardement at Whitehall Point, La
1864            March 12 - May 16, Red River Expedition
1865            July 20, decommissioned
                    November 29, sold

Sources
Drawing from "The Old Steam Navy", D.L. Canney and photos of the ship