The second USS Pilgrim was a United States Navy tug in commission from 1870 to 1871 which may also have seen non-commissioned service in other years.

History
United States
NameUSS Pilgrim
NamesakeA pilgrim is one who journeys in foreign lands, especially to visit a shrine or holy place. The English colonists who founded Plymouth Colony, the first permanent settlement in New England, in 1620 were called pilgrims; see Pilgrim (Plymouth Colony).
BuilderPusey and Jones Shipbuilding Company, Wilmington, Delaware
Launched1 November 1864
Acquired2 March 1865
Commissioned4 May 1870
Decommissioned29 July 1871
Stricken1 January 1889
FateSold 25 March 1891
General characteristics
TypeTug
Tonnage170 Gross register tons
Draft6 ft (1.8 m)
PropulsionSteam engine
Speed12 knots

Pilgrim was an iron--hulled, steam screw tug built by the Pusey and Jones Shipbuilding Company at Wilmington, Delaware. Launched on 1 November 1864, she was delivered to the U.S. Navy on 2 March 1865.

Few records of Pilgrim's Navy service have been found. She was not ready for service until sometime after the American Civil War ended in April 1865, but no information about her service exists until she was commissioned at Key West, Florida, on 4 May 1870. She then operated primarily in the Florida Keys until the spring of 1871, when she steamed to New Orleans, Louisiana. In July 1871 she proceeded to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where she was decommissioned on 29 July 1871.

Pilgrim remained on the Naval Vessel Register until 1889, but no records have been found describing any service she may have had. It is possible that she saw non-commissioned service during at least part of this time,[1] or that she remained inactive.

Pilgrim was stricken from the Naval Vessel Register on 1 January 1889 and was sold on 25 March 1891.

Notes

edit
  1. ^ Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships at http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/p6/pilgrim-ii.htm.

References

edit