CSS Charleston Civil War Ironclad

The CSS Charleston was a Confederate Navy ironclad ram during the American Civil War. Construction at Charleston, South Carolina was authorized in fall 1862 and the ship was laid down in December 1862, entering service nine months later. The Charleston served as the Charleston Squadron's flagship alongside CSS Palmetto State and CSS Chicora during the defence of that city. Captained by Cdr. Isaac N. Brown. Set on fire and abandoned in Charleston harbor on 1865-02-18 to prevent capture, along with its sister ships, as the city was evacuated by the Confederates.

The Charleston was larger and stronger than the other two Charleston ironclads, but was underpowered with unreliable engines.